

#120 Annie Jacobsen - Nuclear Armageddon in 2024
59 snips Jul 8, 2024
Annie Jacobsen, a bestselling author and Pulitzer finalist, dives deep into national security and the alarming potential of nuclear conflict in her latest work, 'Nuclear War: A Scenario.' She discusses the catastrophic implications of a U.S.-Russia exchange, the complexities of missile defense, and real-life protocols following a launch. Jacobsen also touches on the unsettling connections between nuclear threats and geopolitical tensions, exploring the psychological impact of nuclear anxiety and the ethical dilemmas surrounding modern warfare. Her insights challenge listeners to rethink their understanding of security.
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Differing Interpretations
- Annie Jacobsen discusses reactions to her book Operation Paperclip.
- Different political groups interpreted the same facts to fit their views.
Nuclear War Triggers
- A nuclear war could start with any nuclear launch at the United States.
- Nine nuclear-armed nations exist, with North Korea being the most concerning due to its unpredictable behavior.
Ivy Mike Designer's Fear
- Jacobsen interviewed Richard Garwin, who designed the Ivy Mike thermonuclear bomb at 24.
- Garwin now fears a "madman with a nuclear arsenal."