Warfare cover image

Warfare

The Secret History of Nuclear War

Oct 28, 2020
Fred Kaplan, a New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, discusses the enigmas of nuclear strategy. He explores why nuclear weapons haven't been used since 1945 and reveals insights from declassified archives on U.S. presidential decisions regarding nuclear crisis management. Kaplan sheds light on the delicate art of deterrence during the Cold War and the moral quandaries faced by leaders. Notably, he examines Kennedy's shift from military force to nuclear diplomacy during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
34:28

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • U.S. presidents have repeatedly considered using nuclear weapons during crises, yet most conclude it could lead to disastrous consequences.
  • The evolution of nuclear strategy has shifted from massive retaliation to nuanced approaches that emphasize credibility and deterrence over outright conflict.

Deep dives

Nuclear Deterrence and Presidential Decision-Making

Numerous crises have prompted U.S. presidents to consider the use of nuclear weapons far more frequently than is commonly understood. Research indicates that while presidents and their advisors explore nuclear strategy rigorously, they often conclude that employing such weapons could lead to catastrophic outcomes. This tendency to avoid nuclear war stems from a recognition that there are no good resolutions available through its use. Historical contexts suggest that intelligent decision-making by leaders has played a vital role in averting the deployment of nuclear weapons.

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