Net Assessment Is Arms Control Dead?
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May 2, 2025 The hosts debate the viability of arms control, tackling Rose Gottemoeller's perspective that it's still crucial. They explore potential negotiations with Russia and China, weighing demands and concessions. A critical look is taken at U.S. foreign policy, especially concerning the State Department's restructuring and a minerals deal in Ukraine. Personal tributes also emerge, honoring a mentor's legacy while considering the evolving landscape of diplomacy and what Gen Z thinks about American foreign policies.
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Different Arms Control Goals
- Arms control talks with Russia focus on parity while talks with China focus on engagement.
- China's smaller arsenal and reluctance to negotiate resemble a challenge to lock in inferiority status.
China's Nuclear Signaling Shift
- China's nuclear buildup suggests a shift towards nuclear signaling, not just deterrence.
- Russia and China may use nuclear weapons for signaling, complicating US strategy and arms control.
FOBS Threat Raises Alarm
- The fractional orbital bombardment system (FOBS) allows unpredictable missile strikes held in orbit.
- FOBS poses a terrifying challenge because it eliminates warning time for nuclear attack.