The Impact of Iran War on Rhode Island

Nikolas Gvosdev, a national security fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and professor at the U.S. Naval War College, and speaking on his own behalf, joins Bill Bartholomew to examine how The Iran War could impact Rhode Island—both in the immediate term and over the long haul.

The conversation explores the economic ripple effects of global conflict, including energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and federal spending priorities that could directly influence local economies. Gvosdev highlights how national security decisions made in Washington can cascade down to states like Rhode Island, shaping everything from job markets to infrastructure investment.

A key focus is the potential downstream impact on major projects such as the Washington Bridge, where shifts in federal funding and attention could delay or reshape critical repairs and development.

The discussion also delves into the psychological dimension—how prolonged geopolitical instability can affect public sentiment, civic life, and the broader sense of security within local communities.

In this episode:

•  How global conflict with Iran could affect Rhode Island’s economy 
•  The connection between war, federal spending, and infrastructure projects 
•  Why local projects like the Washington Bridge could feel global pressure 
•  The psychological toll of geopolitical instability at the community level