The Manipulation of Risk Strategy: Using Nuclear Weapons in a Mad World

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The manipulation of risk strategy involves using nuclear weapons in a way that minimizes casualties but creates a sense of fear and instigates a desire to end the conflict. This strategy relies on the threat of escalation, as the dynamics of nuclear escalation are not well understood. In a scenario where Russia is losing to Ukraine, they would use a manipulation of risk strategy by deploying a few nuclear weapons in rural areas to spook everyone and force a quick resolution. However, the use of even one nuclear weapon can have unpredictable consequences due to the fast spread of news and the emotional reactions of leaders and the public. This strategy is seen as risky, and even during the Cold War, policymakers like Henry Kissinger and Robert McNamara would have avoided nuclear use. The potential ripple effects of a nuclear demonstration in the 21st century, with social media and rapid news dissemination, are terrifying and could result in the loss of hundreds of millions of lives.

John Mearsheimer is an international relations scholar at University of Chicago. He is one of the most influential and controversial thinkers in the world on the topics of war and power. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(09:52) – Power
(33:06) – Hitler
(50:33) – Russia and Ukraine
(1:46:45) – Israel and Palestine
(2:47:37) – China
(3:29:58) – Life and mortality