Writing in the Washington Post, Professors Alexander Downes of George Washington University, and Lindsey O’Rourke of Boston College, argue against regime-change in Iran.

I disagree with their rationale for a few reasons. Most importantly, I do not believe that regime change is as easily definable as they assume. Like “politics,” “regime change” has many faces. A policy of regime change might mean withdrawing diplomatic relations, or introducing sanctions, or enforcing a trade boycott, or banning a nation’s citizens from travel to America, or an effort to promote alternate political beliefs. Or, yes, the use of force.