More Nukes!
Summary
Host Ben Bradford explores the rationale behind the U.S. push to expand its nuclear arsenal, interviewing former defense official Vipin Narang. They discuss how the expiration of New START and rival nations' buildup have shifted policy toward "more nukes" for deterrence and alliance protection. Narang argues that nuclear weapons prevent great power wars and that the U.S. could potentially win a limited conflict, countering the traditional view of mutually assured destruction. The episode contrasts this optimistic view with the risks of accidental escalation and the potential for a new arms …
Topics discussed
Intro: The shift from nuclear disarmament to buildup
The absurdity of deterrence and the push for more nukes
Meet Vipin Narang: Former Pentagon nuclear policy lead
History: Cold War arms race and post-Cold War disarmament
The hinge point: Obama's New START treaty and its limits
New threats: China, North Korea, and Russia's resurgence
The rationale for expansion: Deterrence and the nuclear umbrella
Proliferation risks: Why allies might build their own nukes
Sponsors and transition to nuclear war scenarios
Two paths to war: Intentional use vs. accidental 'oopsie'
Tactical nukes: The danger of 'baby nukes' in conflict
Case study: Russia's 2022 consideration of nuclear use in Ukraine
Escalation dynamics: Will a limited strike lead to total war?
Managing escalation: Conventional responses vs. nuclear retaliation
Counterforce strategy: The argument that the US can win a nuclear war
The 'use it or lose it' dilemma and historical parallels
Sponsors and NPR+ promotion
Nukes as peacekeepers: Deterrence preventing great power war
Future scenarios: Stabilization vs. perpetual arms race
Conclusion: Is humanity doomed? The logic of the current path
Outro: Bonus episode teaser and credits
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