Plain English with Derek Thompson

Why a No-Fly Zone Over Ukraine Could Be—Literally—the Worst Idea Ever

Mar 10, 2022
Join Robert Wright, a best-selling author and foreign policy commentator, as he navigates the complex landscape of establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine. He debates the potential benefits versus the catastrophic risks of this military intervention, particularly regarding its historical context and moral ramifications. Wright critiques U.S. foreign policy missteps, examines NATO's expansion, and warns against oversimplified views of global politics. The conversation raises the stakes on whether such measures could escalate into a global crisis.
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INSIGHT

No-Fly Zone Dilemma

  • A no-fly zone over Ukraine, while seemingly simple, could lead to disastrous consequences.
  • It requires shooting down Russian planes, potentially escalating conflict with a nuclear power.
ANECDOTE

Past No-Fly Zones

  • Previous no-fly zones in Iraq, Bosnia, and Libya were easier to maintain due to clear air superiority.
  • Ukraine's situation is different given Russia's formidable air force and nuclear capabilities.
INSIGHT

Nuclear Escalation Risk

  • A no-fly zone carries a non-zero, albeit small, risk of escalating to a nuclear conflict with Russia.
  • Even a slight increase in this risk is unacceptable given the potential catastrophic consequences.
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