The shift of the American government from isolationism to interventionism is discussed, from hesitating to get involved in World War I and II to losing oil rights over not intervening to the more direct approach towards countries such as Iran.
The podcast explores the US intervention in Iran, including the 1953 CIA-orchestrated coup that overthrew Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammed Mossadegh, and the consequences that followed, including the rise of a hardline Shia fundamentalist regime within Iran.
The US Government was initially reluctant to get involved in World War I and II, considering it Europe's mess and not wanting to lose oil rights. However, the consequences of this decision are still visible today.