Today, Explained AI and nuclear doomsday
75 snips
Nov 3, 2025 
This discussion features Tony Capaccio, a veteran Pentagon reporter for Bloomberg News, and Josh Keating, a senior correspondent at Vox. They dive into the Pentagon's unusual response to a film about missile defense and the real-world challenges of intercepting missiles. The conversation also covers the implications and risks of integrating AI into nuclear command systems, including automation biases and hacking concerns. Additionally, they highlight the importance of human judgment in nuclear decision-making and the potential psychological impacts of AI on military decision processes.
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Pentagon Pushes Back On Movie Claims
- The Pentagon publicly rebutted Netflix's A House of Dynamite because it worried the film could erode confidence in missile defenses.
- Officials provided technical details to correct the movie's portrayal and prepare leaders for questions.
Why Hitting A Missile Is So Hard
- Missile intercepts are technically harder than hitting a bullet with a bullet because closing velocities are much higher in space.
- Upgrades in radars and sensors, officials say, have improved recent intercept test success rates.
When The Pentagon Helps Hollywood
- The Pentagon routinely supports films by providing equipment and access, like carriers and Ospreys for Mission Impossible.
- It becomes notable only when the Pentagon refuses involvement, as with certain controversial films.
