Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a chilling question has continuously loomed over the international community: how real is the threat of a nuclear escalation? While the nuclear dimension has historically overshadowed the conflict, the rules of engagement and atomic posturing are constantly shifting.

In this episode, host Roger Moorhouse sits down with one of the world's leading nuclear experts, Matt Korda, to pull back the curtain on the subtle, dangerous games of atomic signalling being played by both sides.

Korda breaks down the stark contrast between Vladimir Putin’s aggressive public rhetoric and NATO’s quieter, tactical show of force—from Cold War-style bomber flights along borders to the rare surfacing of a US ballistic missile submarine off the coast of Norway.

Together, they explore:

The Art of Moving Goalposts: How NATO successfully calling Putin’s bluffs on supposed "red lines" (like sending tanks and aircraft) has redefined the perceived limits of nuclear deterrence.

Russia's Evolving Nuclear Doctrine: An inside look at the text of Moscow's updated criteria for nuclear deployment, including its expansive shift toward countering conventional threats.

The Belarus Mirror: What Russia’s deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus actually means for international law, and whether it echoes the US/NATO hosting agreements.

An Arsenal in Disrepair: The alarming state of Russia's degrading infrastructure under the weight of sanctions, poor quality control, and recent high-profile failures—including the Sarmat ICBM exploding inside its own launch silo.

Don't miss this clear-eyed, gripping analysis of a subject that continues to shape global security.

Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at [email protected]

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Producer: James Hodgson

A Goalhanger Podcast

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