Making Sense with Sam Harris #210 — The Logic of Doomsday
Jul 9, 2020
William J. Perry, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and nuclear policy expert, and his granddaughter Lisa Perry, communications director for the William J. Perry Project, dive into the chilling realities of nuclear threats. They analyze pivotal moments like Hiroshima and the Cuban Missile Crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for public awareness and disarmament. The conversation also covers complexities like accidental nuclear war, nuclear terrorism, and the psychological barriers that hinder effective policy action. Together, they advocate for education and global cooperation to address these existential risks.
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Episode notes
Perry's Nuclear History
- William J. Perry's involvement with nuclear issues began during the Eisenhower administration.
- He has advised presidents on these matters since the Carter administration.
Cuban Missile Crisis Role
- During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Perry analyzed intelligence to estimate when Soviet missiles in Cuba would become operational.
- This informed President Kennedy's decisions on diplomacy and military action.
Bombing Justification and Outcome
- Dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki aimed to prevent a costly invasion of Japan.
- Even after the bombings, surrender only came when the emperor intervened.
