Radiolab
Nukes
Jan 24, 2025
Harold Herring, a former Air Force Major, shares his riveting journey navigating nuclear command, questioning the unchecked presidential authority over nuclear launches. Alongside nuclear historian Alex Wallerstein, they explore the moral dilemmas faced by military personnel tasked with following potentially unlawful orders. The conversation spans from Truman's ethical struggles to Nixon's alarming power, revealing the dangerous consequences of questioning authority while emphasizing the urgent need for checks and balances in nuclear decision-making.
52:27
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the significant concerns surrounding the lack of legal checks on presidential power to authorize nuclear strikes, demonstrating the potential for misuse of authority.
- Through the experience of Air Force Major Harold Herring, the episode explores the ethical dilemmas faced by military personnel in the nuclear command chain regarding their decision-making responsibilities.
Deep dives
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