Will China’s plan to position itself as a peacemaker in the Iran war work?

The Monocle Daily explores whether China's diplomatic push to mediate the Iran conflict can succeed amid escalating global tensions. With the U.S. under President Trump increasingly focused on Iran and Cuba, and Europe seemingly disengaged, China is positioning itself as a neutral, stable power capable of facilitating talks through intermediaries like Pakistan. However, the episode questions whether Iran's hardline Revolutionary Guard, which controls military decisions, would accept any ceasefire, and whether the U.S. domestic audience will support prolonged military engagement. The discussion then shifts to broader geopolitical shifts, including the symbolic significance of the Artemis II moon mission, which represents a resurgence of American ambition in space amid growing Chinese competition. The show also examines the declining relevance of the nation-state in the face of powerful tech corporations and global crises, drawing on Rana Dasgupta’s book *After Nations*, which argues that the nation-state’s golden age is over and that we are entering a turbulent interregnum marked by nationalism, economic dislocation, and the erosion of state legitimacy. Despite this, national identity remains deeply entrenched, even as its foundations are being challenged. Key takeaways include: China’s quiet diplomacy may be more effective than U.S. military posturing in conflict resolution; the U.S. is increasingly acting like a regional power rather than a global hegemon; space exploration remains a powerful symbol of national capability; and the nation-state’s ability to deliver on social and economic promises is under strain due to automation and globalization. The episode concludes with a reflection on how identity, nationalism, and institutional failure are shaping a world in flux.