Carl Robichaud, co-leader of Longview Philanthropy's program on nuclear weapons and existential risk, discusses the likelihood of nuclear conflict, the devastation of the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima, the ethics of nuclear weapons, close calls and the risk of nuclear war, the current landscape of nuclear weapons and international relations, the accuracy and omissions in the film 'Oppenheimer', and the need for continued engagement in managing the risks of a new nuclear age.
Nuclear conflict remains a pressing threat, as seen in the recent Russia-Ukraine war.
Nuclear deterrence plays a crucial role in preventing direct conflict by manipulating risk and discouraging adversaries.
The catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons use include massive loss of life, infrastructural destruction, and long-term environmental effects like nuclear winter.
Deep dives
The likelihood of nuclear conflict
The podcast discusses the increasing likelihood of nuclear conflict in the modern age, particularly in light of the war between Russia and Ukraine. It highlights the dangers of escalating tensions and the potential for nuclear threats and use.
The importance of nuclear deterrence
The podcast emphasizes the role of nuclear deterrence in preventing nuclear war. It explains how the manipulation of risk and the presence of nuclear weapons can discourage adversaries from engaging in direct conflict.
The dangers of nuclear weapons
The podcast explores the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons use. It discusses the potential for massive loss of life, infrastructural destruction, and long-term environmental consequences like nuclear winter.
Close calls and near misses
The podcast recounts several historical instances of near nuclear catastrophe, such as false alarms and communication failures. These examples highlight the inherent risks associated with nuclear weapons and the importance of effective risk management.
The need for international cooperation
The podcast underscores the urgency of international cooperation in nuclear risk reduction. It emphasizes the necessity of bilateral dialogues, arms control agreements, and conflict resolution mechanisms to mitigate the dangers posed by nuclear weapons.
Carl Robichaud co-leads Longview Philanthropy’s programme on nuclear weapons and existential risk. For over a decade, Carl led grant-making in nuclear security at the Carnegie Corporation of New York, a philanthropic fund which grants over $30 million annually to strengthen international peace and security. Carl previously worked with The Century Foundation and the Global Security Institute, where his extensive research spanned arms control, international security policy, and nonproliferation.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode