What happens when the deterrent becomes the target?
In this episode, Adam, Curtis, and Jim tackle a bold and unsettling question:
After America’s successful strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, is the U.S. truly prepared to defend its nuclear arsenal?
This conversation dives deep into the heart of nuclear strategy and deterrence:
- The critical role of airborne alert systems and the lessons of the Looking Glass mission.
- The tension between traditional deterrence systems and emerging technologies.
- Why visibility, command, and control remain the pillars of credible nuclear deterrence.
- How modernization of nuclear forces shapes the future of U.S. security.
In an age of rapid technological change, understanding deterrence isn’t just for policymakers—it’s vital for anyone who values global stability.
🔗 Listen now to uncover why the strength of deterrence rests not just on weapons, but on resilient systems and clear strategy.
#NuclearDeterrence #NationalSecurity #Modernization #CommandAndControl #StrategicStability #DefenseInnovation
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About the Author
Curtis McGiffin
Col. Curtis McGiffin (U.S. Air Force, Ret.) is Vice President for Education at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies and visiting professor at Missouri State University’s School of Defense and Strategic Studies.
Read the full bio here.
Adam Lowther
Dr. Adam Lowther is Vice President of Research at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. Read the full bio here.
James Petrosky
Dr. James C. Petrosky is the President of the National Institute for Deterrence Studies (NIDS). He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Engineering Physics where he developed experimental techniques for the prediction of damage to electronic devices and materials. He has a substantial technical expertise in pulsed radiation effects and nuclear weapon survivability, with an emphasis on radiation effects on electronics and electromagnetic pulse.
As President of NIDS, Dr. Petrosky is responsible for the overall operation, mission, and vision of the organization. His primary focus is on developing and achieving strategic objectives aligned with the NIDS mission and sponsors, and assessing and managing the manpower needs.
The U.S. conducts annual testing via Global Thunder, a large-scale exercise simulating nuclear conflict scenarios, confirming functionality across ISR, communications, bomber operations, and missile forces