Annie Jacobsen, a journalist and the author of "Nuclear War: A Scenario," dives deep into the intricacies of nuclear warfare and its global implications. She discusses the risks of 'launch on warning' policies and examines the precarious balance of deterrence, especially regarding volatile leaders like North Korea. Through her journey from fiction to national security reporting, Jacobsen highlights the challenges of effective missile defense and the dark humor surrounding societal collapse in an apocalyptic scenario. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of a dangerous reality.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
From Fiction Failure to Reporting
Annie Jacobsen switched from unsuccessful fiction writing to nonfiction reporting at 34 years old.
Her mentor told her to "stop making stuff up" and focus on truth, which shaped her career.
insights INSIGHT
Nuclear War Starts in Seconds
Nuclear war begins within the first few seconds with technology detecting a missile launch in under one second.
Annie's scenario unfolds the immediate catastrophic consequences leading to billions of deaths in nuclear winter.
insights INSIGHT
Launch On Warning Explained
Launch on warning means launching a counterattack as soon as incoming missiles are detected, before impact.
This policy forces a nuclear conflict to begin before any missile hits, raising stakes and risks significantly.
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An Uncensored History of DARPA, America's Top-Secret Military Research Agency
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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.
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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.
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, journalist and author of Nuclear War: A Scenario, joins the show to discuss nuclear weapons and their use.
School of War 
