The Lawfare Podcast

Chatter: Nuclear War, A Scenario with Annie Jacobsen

Mar 28, 2024

Journalist Annie Jacobsen discusses her hypothetical scenario of a nuclear war between North Korea and the US. The podcast delves into the grave consequences of a nuclear attack, detailing minute-by-minute responses and the complexities of nuclear command. Topics include advanced technology for monitoring nuclear launches, the devastating effects of a nuclear explosion, and the chilling aftermath of a nuclear war scenario. The discussion also touches on the authority to launch nuclear weapons and the importance of communication and precautionary measures in avoiding escalation.

01:14:25

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Episode guests

Annie Jacobsen

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Quick takeaways

A nuclear war scenario showcases the grave consequences and global devastation of a potential conflict.

The urgent decision-making process in response to nuclear threats underscores the critical nature of deterrence strategies.

Insights into the environmental aftermath of nuclear explosions paint a chilling picture of a post-apocalyptic world.

Deep dives

Analysis of Nuclear War Scenario

The podcast episode delves into the horrifying consequences of a nuclear war scenario, emphasizing how once nuclear launch initiates, it inevitably leads to nuclear Armageddon. With detailed accounts of weapons ready for launch by the US and Russia, the episode highlights the perilous existence balanced on the precipice of potential devastation. Journalist Annie Jacobson's exploration of nuclear war unfolds in a hypothetical minute-by-minute breakdown, portraying the catastrophic impact of such a conflict.

Introduction

2min

Understanding the Gravity of Nuclear War

14min

The Advanced Technology of Sibbers and Launch on Warning

18min

Exploring the Devastating Effects of a Nuclear Explosion

5min

The Horrors and Realities of Nuclear War

26min

From Journalism to Fiction Writing: Combining Real-World Events with Storytelling

10min

Engaging Discussion on National Security and Diplomacy

2min

Without warning, North Korea launches a nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile at the United States. American satellites detect the launch within seconds, setting off a frantic, harrowing sequence of events that threatens to engulf the planet in a nuclear holocaust.

That’s the terrifying hypothetical storyline that journalist Annie Jacobsen imagines in her new book. It’s a minute-by-minute, and occasionally second-by-second account of how the vast U.S. national security apparatus would respond to a “bolt out of the blue” attack with a nuclear weapon. It’s a riveting story and the supreme cautionary tale.

Shane Harris spoke with Jacobsen about the book, the present threat of a nuclear world war, and her body of work, which has dug deeply into the dark corners of intelligence and national security.

Books, interviews, movies and TV shows discussed in this episode include:

Nuclear War: A Scenario https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/748264/nuclear-war-by-annie-jacobsen/

Chatter interview with A.B. Stoddard about The Day After https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/chatter-the-day-after-and-dad-with-a.-b.-stoddard

Top Gun: Maverick https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1745960/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_top%2520gun

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5057054/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_3_nm_5_q_jack%2520ry

Find out more about Annie Jacobsen on:

Her Website: https://anniejacobsen.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anniejacobsen?lang=en

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