Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs Season 4, Episode 4: Annie Jacobsen, Nuclear War: A Scenario
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Jan 21, 2025 
Annie Jacobsen, an award-winning journalist and bestselling author, dives deep into the chilling realities of nuclear war in her latest work. She unpacks a gripping scenario that exposes the razor-thin line between safety and catastrophe. Their conversation reveals urgent insights on the immediate dangers of missile launches, the grim realities of U.S. nuclear preparedness, and the risks of communication breakdowns that could lead to escalation. Jacobsen advocates for nuclear disarmament while reflecting on historical missteps, urging a reevaluation of our approach to nuclear threats.
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Book Research
- Annie Jacobson interviewed Cold War warriors, including generals and nuclear weapons designers, for her book.
- These individuals were surprisingly willing to discuss nuclear war scenarios due to the current global instability.
Bolt Out of the Blue
- A "bolt out of the blue" attack, a surprise nuclear strike, is Washington's biggest fear.
- The book's scenario begins with such an attack from North Korea, highlighting the immediate threat.
Missile Defense Limitations
- The U.S. missile defense system is not equipped to handle a large-scale ICBM attack.
- Russia possesses over 1,600 nuclear missiles, while the U.S. only has 44 interceptors with a 50% success rate.
