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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
question_answer ANECDOTE
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."
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The Secret History of the U.S. Government's Investigations into Extrasensory Perception and Psychokinesis
Annie Jacobsen
This book delves into the U.S. government's secret programs involving ESP and PK, which were explored as potential military and intelligence tools. Jacobsen uses never-before-seen declassified documents and exclusive interviews with over fifty individuals, including former CIA and Defense Department scientists, analysts, and government psychics. The book examines how these programs were initiated, the key players involved, and the various missions undertaken, such as locating hostages and predicting future threats to national security. It also explores the scientific approach to these enigmatic phenomena and the ongoing debate about their validity[1][4][5].
Area 51
An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base
Annie Jacobsen
Annie Jacobsen
This book provides a comprehensive and gripping narrative of the activities at Area 51, based on interviews with eyewitnesses and formerly classified information. It covers the base's history from its creation at the end of World War II to modern-day operations, including nuclear testing, the development of secret aircraft, and the involvement of various government agencies. Jacobsen's research uncovers the intricate and often secretive operations of the base, making it a seminal work on the subject.
The Pentagon's Brain
An Uncensored History of DARPA, America's Top-Secret Military Research Agency
Annie Jacobsen
In 'The Pentagon's Brain', Annie Jacobsen provides a detailed account of DARPA's history, from its inception during the Cold War to its current projects in AI, biotechnology, and space exploration. The book delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding DARPA's research and its profound impact on global politics and technology. Jacobsen's narrative is based on extensive research, exclusive interviews, and declassified documents, offering a balanced view of DARPA's achievements and controversies.
Operation Paperclip
Patrick Goddard
Nuclear War
A Scenario
Annie Jacobsen
In 'Nuclear War: A Scenario', Annie Jacobsen presents a meticulously researched and chilling scenario of a nuclear war. The book begins with a surprise nuclear attack by North Korea on the United States, triggering a cascade of events that involve multiple nations and lead to catastrophic consequences. Jacobsen draws on exclusive interviews with military and civilian experts, as well as recently declassified government reports, to outline the minute-by-minute unfolding of a nuclear conflict. The book highlights the dangers of the 'Launch on Warning' policy, the inadequacy of current nuclear defenses, and the devastating impact on global civilization, including the immediate destruction, long-term environmental damage, and the eventual collapse of societal structures. Jacobsen's work serves as a call to action for disarmament and a stark reminder of the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons.
Annie Jacobsen is a New York Times bestselling author, Pulitzer Prize finalist and Princeton graduate. Jacobsen’s works have received rave reviews by outlets like The Washington Post, USA Today, The Boston Globe and Vanity Fair. Her career spans numerous media formats, including writing and producing TV series like Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and serving as a contributing editor for the Los Angeles Times Magazine. Her newest book, Nuclear War: A Scenario, has risen to critical acclaim and brought Jacobsen to the Shawn Ryan Show to discuss war, weapons, government secrecy, and national security.
Shawn Ryan Show 
