ChinaTalk Will Everyone Get Nukes Now?
4 snips
Apr 30, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Vipin Narang, a nuclear policy expert from MIT, Pranay Vaddi, a fellow at the Center for Nuclear Security Policy, and Junichi Fukuda from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation dive deep into current nuclear dynamics. They cover the implications of U.S. deterrence on allies' nuclear aspirations, explore the historical case of France's nuclear development, and assess the threat of proliferation from nations like Japan and Saudi Arabia. They also analyze China's expanding nuclear capabilities and its impact on global stability.
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Dual Nature of Extended Deterrence
- U.S. extended deterrence uses both military capabilities and political assurance to prevent allied nuclear proliferation.
- This strategy preserved stable, democratic, and open markets globally since WWII.
Hardware and Software in Assurance
- Effective extended deterrence combines military hardware and political "software" to convince allies the U.S will act.
- Political commitment from U.S. leadership is critical to assure allies beyond capability alone.
Trust Trumps Capability in Deterrence
- Trump's rhetoric challenges U.S. allies' trust even if nuclear capabilities remain.
- The "software glitch" undermines allies' confidence in U.S. willingness to defend them.
