The Future of American Grand Strategy: Strategic Lessons from the Iran War

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is pleased to welcome Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, national security and foreign policy expert, Army Reserve officer and author of Why National Security Matters, for a conversation on America’s next moves in the Middle East as the war in Iran stretches beyond six months.

What does the Iran War tell us about the limits and future of American power? Castleberry-Hernandez will offer insight into lessons emerging from the war in Iran, from America’s projection of power and deterrence, its alliance with Israel, threats to U.S. national security, and the broader implications of America’s grand strategy in the Middle East.

With over a decade of experience in the region, including her work as a Senior Executive in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the Department of State and diplomatic postings in Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan, Castleberry-Hernandez brings a rare, firsthand perspective on the region’s political dynamics, the military and diplomatic maneuvering shaping the conflict, and how the war in Iran will redefine America’s role in the region for years to come.

 

 

  • WACC National Security Series Lecture Sponsorship and Underwriting – DOWNLOAD LINK

Program Information: 

Date:
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Presentation and Q&A: 
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Location:
TBA
Cost:
$50 (WACC Member Rate) | $65 (Non-Member Rate) | $20 (Young Professionals of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte — YPWACC) | $15 (WACC Student Member / WACC Educator Member)

 

 

 

Biography: 

Asha Castleberry-Hernandez is national security and foreign policy expert, military officer in the Army reserves, former congressional candidate and author of a memoir, Why National Security Matters. She has over a decade of experience in Middle East policy, including as a Senior Executive in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the Department of State and diplomatic service in Kuwait, Iraq and Jordan. Previously, she served as Cyrus Vance Visiting Professor at Mount Holyoke College, also taught at Fordham, George Washington and Baruch College and handled foreign & military affairs for the Office of Congressman George Latimer.

Asha is a Council on Foreign Relations term member, Senior Fellow at the Diplomat Courier, and a member of National Security Leaders for America, a non-partisan network of former military and civilian leaders from across the political spectrum uniquely qualified to provide expert insight on U.S. national security and its impact on our democracy and economic stability. A recipient of numerous honors, including the Middle East Policy Council 40 Under 40, she is frequently featured in major media outlets such as CNN, Fox News, BBC News and The Washington Post.