In this episode, Curtis hosts a March 2025 news round-up with Adam and Jim, focusing on four articles: STRATCOM's call for 145 B-21 bombers, North Korea's development of nuclear submarines, Poland's push for nuclear weapons, and France's modernization of its nuclear arsenal. The conversation highlights nuclear weapon developments, and the importance of deterrence in today's geopolitical landscape, and the evolving military strategies of various nations.

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Adam, Curtis, and Jim address the idea posited in a recent foreign affairs article, "When Nuclear Weapons Fail to Deter." In recent years, the complex role of nuclear weapons in global security and deterrence effectiveness has been tested. The discussion highlights various historical and contemporary examples, including the dynamics between nuclear and non-nuclear states, the stability-instability paradox, and the motivations behind nuclear proliferation. The speakers emphasize the nuanced understanding of nuclear weapons as tools for preventing large-scale conflicts rather than as absolute deterrents against all forms of aggression.

Article: When Nuclear Weapons Fail to Deter | Foreign Affairs

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/when-nuclear-weapons-fail-deter

Adam, Curtis, and Jim discuss Bob Peters' recent Heritage Foundation article outlining recommendations for rebuilding the nuclear arsenal. They explore the implications of executive orders, the importance of public awareness, and several more interesting items on the list. The conversation hotly debates the question of a new NPR and bombers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nuclear Arsenal Discussions

01:47 The Need for Executive Orders in Nuclear Policy

05:48 The Role of Public Awareness in Nuclear Modernization

10:09 Debating the Necessity of a New Nuclear Posture Review

20:08 Developing a Two-Peer Deterrence Strategy

22:44 Strategic Defense Decisions

25:04 Modernization Challenges in Military

28:03 The Need for Increased Bomber Production

29:57 Addressing Pilot Shortages and Operational Readiness

31:49 Innovative Nuclear Capabilities Discussion

35:59 Future of Military Strategy and Technology

https://www.heritage.org/defense/report/road-map-rebuilding-americas-nuclear-arsenal

Adam, Curtis, and Jim continue discussing Dr. Keith Payne's article "Deterrence and Arms Control: Ending the Deceptive "Holiday from History." The conversation reviews the second four of the eight common but demonstrably false worldview beliefs, as posited by Dr. Payne, and assesses his suggestions to alter these idealist canards. The discussion continues from last week's TNV podcast and emphasizes the need for a realistic approach to arms control and the importance of understanding adversaries' motivations in the geopolitical landscape.

Adam, Curtis, and Jim discuss Dr. Keith Payne's article "Deterrence and Arms Control: Ending the Deceptive "Holiday from History," exploring the historical context of U.S. nuclear deterrence policy, the failures of idealism in foreign policy, and the need for accountability in Washington. The conversation reviews the first four of the eight common worldview beliefs that are demonstrably false, as posited by Dr. Payne. The discussion, which continues with next week's TNV podcast, emphasizes the need for a realistic approach to arms control and the importance of understanding adversaries' motivations in the geopolitical landscape.

Adam, Curtis, and Jim discuss President Trump's executive order regarding the establishment of an Iron Dome for America, exploring its implications for national security, deterrence theory, and the costs associated with missile defense systems.

In this episode, Adam, Curtis, and Jim discuss a recent article by Curtis and senior fellow Kirk Fansher about President Trump's 'Peace Through Strength.' They explore the challenges of near-term deterrence enhancement during a sluggish modernization timeline and the necessity of negotiating from a position of strength. The conversation also touches on current workforce and industrial base capabilities and the balance between deterrence and warfighting, emphasizing the need for a new strategic approach to national security.

https://globalsecurityreview.com/peace-through-strength-enhancing-americas-nuclear-deterrence-today/

In this episode of the NIDS View, Adam, Curtis, and Jim discuss the recent 2025 Nuclear Deterrence Summit, focusing on the challenges faced in nuclear facility construction, the complexities of logistics and oversight, and the cultural shifts within the nuclear policy landscape. They explore the need for a more streamlined approach to nuclear projects, the importance of risk tolerance, and the role of potential international collaboration, particularly in the context of AUKUS.

Curtis hosts a discussion with Jim and Maj Gen (Ret.) Garrett Harencak, focusing on recent developments in nuclear news, particularly regarding the New START Treaty and Russia's compliance, informal agreements in arms control, Japan's nuclear deterrence strategy, and the importance of extended deterrence in global security.

Adam, Curtis, and Jim discuss an article from SIPRI positing that NATO's conventional precision strike weapon systems are potentially destabilizing, particularly concerning Russia's nukes. They explore their impact on regional deterrence, politics, and defense spending.