The Intelligence from The Economist A farewell to arms control? Ukraine and nuclear weapons
Jun 6, 2022
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist and a nuclear weapons and global security expert, delves into the eroding nuclear taboo in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He discusses the shifting rhetoric around nuclear threats and how the conflict alters deterrence strategies and arms control dynamics. Joshi emphasizes the urgent need for renewed dialogue on nuclear proliferation. Additionally, the conversation touches briefly on avian flu's impact on poultry markets and the innovative legacy of Sun Ra's Arkestra.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Nuclear Taboo's Power
- The world has avoided using nuclear weapons since 1945, mainly due to deterrence and a nuclear taboo.
- This taboo, a sense of revulsion towards these weapons, has influenced leaders' decisions.
Erosion of Nuclear Taboo
- The nuclear taboo is eroding, with public nuclear threats becoming more common.
- Examples include Russian state TV, Donald Trump's threats to North Korea, and Narendra Modi's statements.
Public Opinion on Nuclear Weapons
- In the 1991 Gulf War, public support for using tactical nuclear weapons against Iraq was significant.
- Studies show a majority of Americans find killing millions of civilians acceptable to avoid thousands of American deaths.