In this episode of The NIDS View, Curtis and Jim examine two of China's newest naval warships and what these developments reveal about Beijing's evolving military strategy and their implications for regional security and strategic stability. From next-generation destroyers and amphibious assault ships to China's pursuit of a true blue-water navy, they explore how naval modernization shapes perceptions of military power, strengthens conventional deterrence, and influences strategic risk.

The discussion examines the roles of capability, signaling, and credibility in preventing conflict, while considering how advanced technologies and expanding maritime power can simultaneously reinforce deterrence and exacerbate regional security dilemmas.

Curtis and Jim also discuss the strategic motivations driving China's naval expansion, the relationship between offensive and defensive capabilities, and the challenges confronting U.S. and allied policymakers in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific maritime environment.

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Curtis and Jim examine the evolving landscape of allied extended deterrence, credibility, and the U.S. nuclear umbrella. As geopolitical competition intensifies and allies reassess their security gaps, they explore what it takes to preserve regional peace in a world where strategic trust can be as fragile as nuclear stability itself.

For decades, U.S. extended deterrence has underpinned the security of allies across Europe and Asia, helping prevent both major war and nuclear proliferation. Today, however, shifting political priorities, emerging technologies, and evolving regional threats are testing the credibility of that longstanding commitment.

Curtis offers his perspective on whether America's nuclear umbrella remains credible, what makes extended deterrence effective, and how the United States can reassure allies without encouraging nuclear proliferation. Jim examines the complex interplay of trust, sovereignty, burden-sharing, and modernization as European nations—including France and Germany—who seek greater strategic autonomy while remaining tied to NATO's collective defense. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing extended deterrence in an increasingly multipolar world.

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In this episode of The NIDS View, Curtis and Jim review their favorite news developments for July 2026, shaping the global deterrence landscape—from China’s latest submarine-launched ballistic missile test to growing concerns over Russian military capacity, North Korean support, and U.S. defense modernization priorities. The discussion explores what China’s JL-2 missile test reveals about Beijing’s strategic ambitions, the implications of U.S. efforts to secure military drone supply chains, and reports that North Korea is supplying significant quantities of artillery ammunition to Russia. Curtis and Jim also assess the risks of escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war, the challenges facing U.S. and allied deterrence strategies, and how defense investments in nuclear modernization and homeland defense will shape the strategic environment in the years ahead.

China's JL2 missile test and strategic implications: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jul/8/inside-ring-chinese-nuclear-missile-test-flight-passed-near-guam/

US tentative ban on foreign military drones

North Korea supplying 40% of Russia's artillery shells: https://www.kyivpost.com/post/79862

US defense budget priorities for 2027

Ukraine's two-month window before potential Russian mobilization : https://nationalsecurityjournal.org/ukraine-has-two-months-before-putin-could-order-a-mass-mobilization-and-it-could-be-the-gamble-that-ends-him/

Risks of nuclear escalation in Russia-Ukraine conflict

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In this episode of The NIDS View, Curtis and Jim examine Europe's growing drive to strengthen its own deterrent capabilities amid Russia's war in Ukraine and a future NATO 3.0. They explore whether Europe is moving toward greater strategic autonomy while remaining anchored within the NATO alliance. The discussion highlights Europe's emerging missile renaissance, including the development of new long-range strike capabilities, expanded defense industrial capacity, and investments in advanced non-nuclear military technologies. The conversation further examines how U.S. military innovation—including low-cost, high-precision weapons, and long-range conventional strike capabilities—is reshaping the American character of modern warfare. As allies reassess the relationship between conventional and nuclear deterrence, the hosts explore the implications for escalation management, strategic stability, and the credibility of deterrence in an increasingly complex and contested security environment.

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In this episode of The NIDS View, NIDS welcomes Curtis McGiffin and Dr. Adam Lowther, co-authors of Learning to Love the Bomb: Understanding the American Nuclear Arsenal, for a wide-ranging discussion on the history, science, strategy, and people behind the U.S. nuclear enterprise. Drawing on the expertise of leading deterrence professionals, they explain why a deeper understanding of America's nuclear arsenal is essential for policymakers, military leaders, and citizens alike.

The conversation explores the motivations for writing the book, the operational realities of the U.S. nuclear enterprise, and the evolving strategic challenges posed by China, Russia, and North Korea. McGiffin and Lowther also discuss the role of physics and history in shaping deterrence theory, the importance of strategic stability, and how bridging technical, policy, and military perspectives can strengthen deterrence in an increasingly dangerous world.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to the Book and Its Impact

03:07 – Why Write Learning to Love the Bomb?

06:20 – Understanding the Nuclear Enterprise and Its Components

11:40 – Expert Contributions and Their Significance

15:28 – The Physics of Nuclear Weapons Explained

23:42 – Strategic Threats and the Future of Deterrence

27:51 – Recommendations and Strategic Outlook

37:30 – Reflections on the Book's Contributions and Audience

Where to purchase the book: https://www.cambriapress.com/pub.cfm?bid=1207 https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Love-Bomb-Understanding-American/dp/1638573964

Jim and Curtis sit down with aerospace engineer Ken Katz to explore the remarkable evolution of the B-1 bomber and what it teaches us about deterrence, innovation, and adaptability. From the Cold War origins of the B-1 program to its transformation into a highly effective conventional strike platform, Katz examines the technological, political, and strategic forces that shaped one of America's most iconic aircraft.

The discussion also explores the broader role of bombers in the U.S. strategic triad, the impact of stealth and radar cross-section design, and why digital systems have become essential to maintaining relevance in an ever-changing threat environment. Along the way, we revisit lessons from historic aircraft programs such as the B-70 Valkyrie and B-52 Stratofortress, discussing how decisions made decades ago continue to influence military modernization efforts today.

Kenneth P. Katz was commissioned as an Air Force officer through ROTC and served on active duty as a flight test engineer at Edwards AFB, testing bombers and cruise missiles. After completing military service, he worked for the Boeing Company, flight testing the V-22 Osprey. Since then, he has worked in a variety of information technology and aerospace engineering positions, retiring from Collins Aerospace in 2025.

Ken is the author of three books about military aircraft, with his most recent book being "The Supersonic BONE: A Development & Operational History of the B-1 Bomber". He is a prolific podcast host, currently doing the "Supersonic BONE" series for Authentic Media.

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In this episode of The NIDS View, Jim and Curtis analyze the June 2026 deterrence and security developments, including Sen. Deb Fischer's call for greater nuclear investment, Finland's move to repeal its nuclear ban, and B-21 shelters. They explore how allies and adversaries are adapting and emphasize the importance of national resolve, civic education, and history in credible deterrence. The discussion highlights that military power alone isn't enough; values, identity, and willingness to defend are crucial. The hosts also examine emerging technologies—AI, quantum computing, space, and drones—and their impact on military strategies, drawing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and considering future security implications. The episode links resolve, capability, and credibility as key elements of effective deterrence. Drawing lessons from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the hosts explore the implications of rapidly advancing technology for homeland security and future conflict. Whether you're interested in nuclear policy, alliance dynamics, technological innovation, or the foundations of national power, this episode connects the dots between resolve, capability, and credibility—the enduring pillars of effective deterrence.

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In this episode of The NIDS View, we examine the strategic implications of emerging hypersonic weapons, focusing on the U.S. Army’s Dark Eagle missile. Joined by missile and space warfare expert Chris Stone, the conversation explores how hypersonic capabilities are reshaping deterrence, escalation dynamics, and the future of conflict. From the engineering challenges behind these systems to their potential role in both conventional and nuclear scenarios, this discussion highlights the complex balance between capability and restraint. The episode also considers how adversaries monitor and respond to these developments, and what it all means for strategic stability in an increasingly contested security and political environment.

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In this episode, Jim and Curtis examine the strategic role of the U.S. bomber fleet, focusing on the B‑21 Raider and other ongoing bomber modernization. They discuss how bombers support nuclear deterrence, enable flexible strategic signaling, and remain a critical part of the nuclear triad’s future thanks to their successful conventional use over the skies of Iran.

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In this episode of The NIDS View, Jim sits down with Bill Murphy, Senior Fellow and Cofounder at NIDS, to examine Europe’s evolving approach to nuclear deterrence in an increasingly complex and multipolar threat environment. As Russia’s nuclear posture grows more assertive and China’s influence expands, the conversation explores how European leaders are reassessing their reliance on U.S. extended deterrence.

Petrosky and Murphy break down five key options Europe is considering—from strengthening NATO nuclear sharing to pursuing greater strategic autonomy—and analyze the risks, trade-offs, and implications for transatlantic security. They also address challenges related to command and control, non-proliferation, and the credibility of U.S. commitments.

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https://securityconference.org/en/publications/special-editions/mind-the-deterrence-gap/

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