Radio Atlantic 18 Minutes From Nuclear Annihilation
50 snips
Oct 23, 2025 
Screenwriter Noah Oppenheim, known for "A House of Dynamite," and Tom Nichols, a national-security expert, dive into the nail-biting reality of nuclear command decisions. They discuss the terrifying 18-minute time frame for U.S. presidents in crises, emphasizing human fallibility amid rehearsed procedures. Nichols warns of irrational leaders exacerbating risks, while Oppenheim highlights the film's portrayal of rational decision-makers to showcase systemic flaws. They also touch on the current state of nuclear proliferation and the need for public engagement to reduce the threat.
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Decision Window Is Extremely Short
- Nuclear missiles can reach the U.S. within 10–20 minutes depending on launch location, creating an extreme time pressure for decisions.
- Noah Oppenheim built the film’s real-time clock to convey how little time decision makers actually have.
Procedures Can't Remove Human Fallibility
- Systems, rehearsals, and procedures create an illusion of control in a crisis but can't remove human fallibility.
- Noah highlights everyday distractions and emotions that can derail any trained response.
Leaders Were Shocked By Nuclear Plans
- Presidents historically react with shock after nuclear briefings and sometimes try to change policy as a result.
- Tom Nichols cites JFK, Nixon, and Reagan as examples of leaders appalled by nuclear targeting plans.
