In this episode, we examine the topic of existential threat, focusing in particular on the subject of nuclear war. Sam opens the discussion by emphasizing the gravity of our ability to destroy life as we know it at any moment, and how shocking it is that nearly all of us perpetually ignore this fact. Philosopher Nick Bostrom expands on this idea by explaining how developing technologies like DNA synthesis could make humanity more vulnerable to malicious actors. Sam and historian Fred Kaplan then guide us through a hypothetical timeline of events following a nuclear first strike, highlighting the flaws in the concept of nuclear deterrence. Former Defense Secretary William J. Perry echoes these concerns, painting a grim picture of his "nuclear nightmare" scenario: a nuclear terrorist attack. Zooming out, Toby Ord outlines each potential extinction-level threat, and why he believes that, between all of them, we face a one in six chance of witnessing the downfall of our species. Our episode ends on a cautiously optimistic note, however, as Yuval Noah Harari shares his thoughts on "global myth-making" and its potential role in helping us navigate through these perilous times.   About the Series Filmmaker Jay Shapiro has produced The Essential Sam Harris, a new series of audio documentaries exploring the major topics that Sam has focused on over the course of his career. Each episode weaves together original analysis, critical perspective, and novel thought experiments with some of the most compelling exchanges from the Making Sense archive. Whether you are new to a particular topic, or think you have your mind made up about it, we think you’ll find this series fascinating.  

Exploring the ongoing war in Ukraine, the role of American and EU allies, military strategies, changing dynamics of American aid, political negotiations, global implications of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and US involvement in shaping the outcome.

Description: In a world that can sometimes be obsessed with the current threat du jour, author Fred Kaplan reminds us that one of the all-time great threats to us all hasn't gone anywhere. Notes:

Fred Kaplan, a national security correspondent at Slate and author of multiple nuclear weapon-focused books, discusses his debut novel, "Capital Calamity." He explores a fictional scenario where a consultant triggers a war with China, raising intriguing questions about morality in the defense industry. The conversation touches on U.S.-China relations and the risks of a second Trump term. Kaplan also dispels myths about Cold War strategies, emphasizing the evolving nature of nuclear policy and the significance of responsible leadership in global stability.

Fred Kaplan, Slate’s “War Stories” correspondent and author of the novel "A Capital Calamity," dives into the implications of Donald Trump’s potential reelection. He discusses how Trump might reshape U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine, emphasizing the risks of cutting aid and pressuring negotiations with Russia. Kaplan also explores the human and geopolitical consequences of the Israel-Gaza conflict and the shifting dynamics in international relations, predicting a tense future for global diplomacy.

Fred Kaplan, Slate’s “War Stories” correspondent and author of "A Capital Calamity," dives into the potential fallout from a Trump reelection. He explores the anxiety among international leaders and the implications for U.S. foreign policy regarding wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Kaplan highlights Trump’s skeptical view of NATO and contrasts his approach to Israel with traditional diplomacy. The conversation also tackles Trump's controversial claims about resolving the Ukraine conflict and the shifting political dynamics surrounding U.S. military support.

Fred Kaplan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and national security expert, dives into his novel "A Capital Calamity," which humorously explores the end of the world orchestrated by a consultant. He discusses the absurdity of airlines' no-smoking signs and reflects on the absurdity of modern politics, especially regarding Trump's influence and the anti-incumbent sentiment globally. Kaplan also contemplates the weight of personal responsibility in arms control, the unpredictability of political predictions, and the cultural divides affecting voter behavior.

Fred Kaplan, a national security columnist for Slate and author of "The Bomb," discusses critical foreign policy dynamics, while Jen Kirby, a freelance journalist, offers insights on current global conflicts. They dive into how a potential Harris administration would contrast with Trump's foreign policy, especially in relation to the Middle East crisis and Ukraine. The conversation touches on implications for U.S. military aid, the impact of Iran's role in geopolitics, and the interplay between foreign issues and voter sentiment in upcoming elections.

Fred Kaplan, Slate's War Stories columnist, recaps the NATO summit, analyzes Biden's press conference, and discusses the 2024 election's impact on the alliance. Topics include far-right leadership, media coverage on Biden and Trump, Democratic party leadership challenges, and potential NATO scenarios.

Exploring the dynamics between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, strained relations in Gaza, tensions and red lines in the conflict, negotiations for a ceasefire deal, and Senate Majority Leader Schumer's call for new elections in Israel