Book · 2024 · History
Wars of Ambition
The United States, Iran, and the Struggle for the Middle East
Why people recommend it
Wars of Ambition by Afshon Ostovar is a comprehensive historical examination of the ongoing geopolitical competition between the United States and Iran spanning the entire Middle East region. During an appearance on The Ezra Klein Show in April 2026, Marc Lynch recommended this title during the book recommendation segment of the episode. Lynch stated that the publication served as essential reading for understanding contemporary regional dynamics and described it as a sweeping and exceptionally timely historical account of American and Iranian rivalry throughout the wider Middle East. The host and guest discussed the broader implications of these hostilities, and Lynch emphasized the importance of the text for grasping the deep historical roots and current trajectory of these international tensions. By highlighting the sweeping nature of the narrative, Lynch pointed listeners toward a deeper comprehension of the complex strategic rivalry that continues to shape modern international relations and Middle Eastern politics today.
Who recommended it
- Marc Lynch Recommended
Marc Lynch — 1 mention
“And I think it’s pretty essential reading for a lot of the stuff we were just talking about a second book, Afshon Ostovar has a recent book called "Wars of Ambition," which is a really sweeping history of American Iranian competition across the entire Middle East, and it’s pretty much as timely as you can get in terms of really”