Aaron Holland, a passionate young scholar in the field of nuclear deterrence, shares his journey from a master's student to a PhD candidate, discussing the complexities of nuclear strategy and the challenges he faced in military recruitment. He emphasizes the importance of networking, mentorship, and resilience in pursuing a career in the nuclear field. The conversation also touches on the need for greater awareness of career opportunities and the significance of paying it forward to the next generation of scholars.

Aaron Holland is a Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science at the University of Utah & an Analyst at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, specializing in international relations, complex deterrence theories, and comparative politics. His research focuses on nuclear weapons deterrence, rational and psychological factors in decision-making, and the intersection of narrative control and security dynamics. Aaron has published extensively on topics such as nuclear superiority, escalation dominance, and narrative influence in global security, and he currently serves as an analyst at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. His work aims to bridge theoretical insights with practical applications in policy and international security.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aaron Holland and His Journey

01:37 The Fascination with Nuclear Deterrence

04:21 Challenges in Military Recruitment and Personal Journey

08:07 Navigating Academic Paths in Nuclear Studies

10:53 Networking and Finding Mentors

14:53 Creating Opportunities in the Nuclear Field

18:54 Pursuing a Career in Nuclear Practice

23:41 Wishes for Workforce Development

27:34 Increasing Awareness of Career Opportunities

32:25 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Next Generation

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