Ankit Panda and Heather Williams discuss the challenges of strategic stability, arms control breakdown, and the impact of nonproliferation diplomacy. They explore the limitations of nuclear weapons in deterring conflict and the resurgence of interest in nuclear weapons. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of building a more diverse force and reducing nuclear risks through mentorship.
The new nuclear age is characterized by increased complexity and uncertainty due to evolving technologies and the reemergence of great power competition.
The breakdown of arms control agreements, the role of new technologies, and the growing influence of the global south are significant trends shaping the new nuclear age.
Deep dives
The Concept of the New Nuclear Age
The podcast discusses the concept of the new nuclear age, which refers to the changing dynamics and trends in the role of nuclear weapons in international politics. The scholar Anka Pandha explains that the second nuclear age was characterized by a decrease in nuclear weapon deployments and progress in arms control. However, in recent years, this trend has reversed, leading to a new nuclear age defined by increased complexity and uncertainty. The new nuclear age is marked by evolving technologies, such as artificial intelligence and hypersonic weapons, and the reemergence of great power competition. The podcast emphasizes the increasing difficulty of maintaining strategic stability and highlights the challenges of arms control in this new era.
The Key Trends in the New Nuclear Age
The podcast explores several key trends in the new nuclear age. Heather Williams mentions the return of great power competition, with new actors and threat perceptions shaping the nuclear landscape. The intersection of new technologies with nuclear weapons is also significant, raising questions about strategic stability and arms control. The breakdown of arms control agreements, such as Russia's suspension of participation and perceived cheating, adds to the challenges. Additionally, the growing role of the global south in nuclear diplomacy and competition for influence is an important trend. The podcast emphasizes how these trends intersect and shape the changing nature of the nuclear age.
The Concerns and Challenges of the New Nuclear Age
The podcast addresses the concerns and challenges posed by the new nuclear age. One concern is the impact of these shifts on U.S. allies and the sustainability of extended deterrence. The changing dynamics and uncertainties in the international stage have led to allies questioning the reliability and predictability of the United States. The breakdown of arms control agreements also raises questions about the health of the non-proliferation regime. Moreover, the podcast highlights the risks of nuclear coercion and the potential for escalation in conflicts involving nuclear-armed states. The increasing loose talk of nuclear weapons by leaders is another worrisome trend in this new era.
Debates and Considerations for the U.S. Nuclear Posture
The podcast explores debates and considerations regarding the U.S. nuclear posture in the new nuclear age. There is ongoing discussion about what the United States would need from its nuclear forces to deter adversaries, assure allies, and achieve objectives in a changing geopolitical and technological environment. The U.S. faces challenges in rebuilding its nuclear capabilities due to pit production constraints and evolving defense industrial complex. The conversation debates the potential value of different force structures, such as sea launch cruise missiles and mobile missiles, to address vulnerabilities and enhance flexibility. While an arms race is discussed, the podcast emphasizes the importance of flexibility, managing existing arsenals, and pursuing arms control alongside deterrence.
As the world grapples again with the dangers of nuclear weapons use, Aaron sat down with Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Heather Williams, the director of the project on nuclear issues and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, to discuss new nuclear dynamics, the meaning of deterrence, and debate about the future of U.S. nuclear weapons strategy.
