Cato Daily Podcast
Assessing the Nuclear Triad
Jan 21, 2025
Eric Gomez, a former senior fellow at the Cato Institute and nuclear policy expert, delves into the nuclear triad's critical components: air, sea, and land delivery systems. He argues for their reassessment in light of modern defense needs and emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Gomez also discusses the financial implications of maintaining an aging infrastructure versus the necessity of nuclear modernization. His insights challenge current deterrence strategies and emphasize the importance of realigning defense priorities with contemporary threats.
09:43
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Quick takeaways
- Reassessing the nuclear triad highlights the unique roles of air, sea, and land-based delivery systems in modern deterrence strategy.
- The escalating financial burden of nuclear modernization raises concerns about resource allocation and its impact on overall national security.
Deep dives
Understanding the Nuclear Triad
The nuclear triad consists of three distinct methods for delivering nuclear weapons: air-based systems, sea-based missiles, and land-based silos. Each of these delivery systems plays a unique role in the overall strategy, offering advantages such as flexibility and resilience. For instance, sea-based delivery, primarily using submarines, is favored for its stealth and ability to serve as a second-strike capability, ensuring deterrence even after an adversary's initial attack. Meanwhile, ground-based systems, while valuable for drawing enemy focus, are considered less reliable and seem to be increasingly tenuous in their strategic value.
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