WAGD: Nuclear Command and Control with Eric Schlosser, One of VP Candidate Tim Walz’s Recommended Authors
Aug 9, 2024
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Eric Schlosser, a renowned journalist and nuclear expert, delves into the intricate world of nuclear command and control. He shares cautionary tales from his research, highlighting the precariousness of managing nuclear arsenals. Schlosser emphasizes the inherent risks of modernization and the danger of complacency, citing historical accidents stemming from secrecy. He stresses the urgent need for responsible governance and timely responses to threats, urging awareness of the escalating nuclear landscape that future generations will inherit.
Eric Schlosser underscores the enduring vulnerabilities in nuclear command and control systems, highlighting how minor incidents can lead to significant dangers.
The podcast discusses the critical balance required in nuclear management to ensure rapid response while preventing unauthorized use, stressing the complexities involved.
Deep dives
The Relevance of 'Command and Control'
The discussion centers around the continued relevance of Eric Schlosser's book 'Command and Control', which thoroughly investigates the complexities and dangers of managing the nuclear arsenal. The book, originally published over a decade ago, remains pertinent due to ongoing nuclear modernization efforts and the inherent risks associated with these systems. Schlosser emphasizes that despite advancements, inherent vulnerabilities persist, as illustrated by historical nuclear incidents that often arose from trivial mishaps leading to catastrophic outcomes. The focus on Governor Tim Walz's book recommendation highlights a growing recognition among political figures about the importance of understanding nuclear safety and management.
Potential Dangers of Nuclear Management
The podcast explores how accidents and mismanagement in the nuclear sector can stem from trivial events, underscoring the fragile nature of systems designed to prevent catastrophic failures. Eric Schlosser shares anecdotes from his research, including outdated practices from the Cold War that highlight how complacency can lead to oversights, increasing the risk of accidents. For instance, even seemingly minor incidents, such as a dropped tool in a missile silo, can have dire consequences when nuclear weapons are involved. This paradox of complexity suggests that despite efforts to create robust safety measures, the unpredictable nature of human behavior and technology remains a significant concern.
The Balance of Nuclear Control
A key theme of the discussion is the challenge of maintaining a balance between ensuring quick access to nuclear capabilities while preventing unauthorized use. This 'always never' principle requires meticulous management to ensure that the leadership can respond effectively without compromising safety. The podcast highlights the notion that over-reliance on technology may create gaps in understanding the operational realities of nuclear systems, as operators may be unaware of fundamental safety issues defined by designers. Furthermore, the dialogue emphasizes the growing concern regarding nuclear weapons in the hands of states and non-state actors that may not adhere to the same safety protocols as established nuclear powers.
On today’s episode, renowned journalist and nuclear expert Eric Schlosser joins Jon and Heather to discuss the past, present and future of nuclear command and control, building off his experiences researching and authoring his acclaimed work on the subject. What is shaping the current nuclear climate today? Is there any hope for future generations?