Summary Report

Events of Significance​

1. Nuclear Deterrent Seminar: Scheduled for December 6, 2024, focusing on China’s nuclear buildup with Christopher Yeaw from the University of Nebraska.

2. Triad Symposium: Announced for June 24, 2025, at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, hosted by LSUS, NIDS, and BRF Defense in cooperation with the USAF Global Strike Command.​

   Quotes of the Week​

1. CNN, November 5, 2024: “Kamala Harris Predicted to Win By Nearly Every Major Forecaster.”
2. President-elect Donald Trump: “I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.​
   She is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter.”

3. Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, AFGSC: “An airborne launch validates the survivability of our ICBMs, which serve as the strategic backstop of our nation’s defense and defense of allies and partners.” ​

   Strategic Developments

• Ukraine’s Nuclear Decision: With Trump’s election, Ukraine may consider nuclear options due to anticipated reduced U.S. support.
• Russian ICBM Launch: A Yars ICBM was loaded into a silo launcher at the Kozelsk missile base, signaling potential nuclear escalation.
• MM III Test Flight: The U.S. Air Force conducted a test flight of an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
• Nuclear Modernization: The U.S. is advancing its nuclear arsenal, including new B-21 bombers and the Sentinel ICBM program.
• International Arms Control: The erosion of arms control treaties, such as New START, raises concerns about a new arms race.​

Five Key Takeaways

1. Political Shift: President Trump’s victory and the Republican control of the Senate and likely the House signal significant changes in U.S. foreign and defense policies.
2. Nuclear Deterrence Focus: Upcoming events like the Nuclear Deterrent Seminar and Triad Symposium highlight the importance of nuclear deterrence in U.S. national security strategy.
3. Ukraine’s Uncertain Future: Ukraine faces a critical decision on its defense strategy, potentially considering nuclear options due to expected changes in U.S. support.
4. Nuclear Modernization: The U.S. is heavily investing in modernizing its nuclear forces, including new bombers and ICBMs, amid rising global tensions.​

5. Arms Control Challenges: The decline of international arms control agreements poses a risk of escalating nuclear arms races, particularly with Russia and China.

   

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