Buttons Not Buttons
Radiolab
00:00
The Button of Destruction
This chapter delves into the historical origins and implications of the phrase 'finger on the button' in nuclear warfare, tracing its roots to early 20th-century literature and the realities of atomic bomb decision-making during World War II. It explores the complexities of military authority, the decision-making process, and the urgent moral questions surrounding easy access to nuclear weapons. Additionally, it presents unconventional ideas for ensuring accountability in nuclear launches, highlighting the absurdity and seriousness of such tremendous power.
Transcript
Play full episode
