Modern Wisdom #778 - Annie Jacobsen - Just How Likely Is A Global Nuclear War?
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May 2, 2024 
Annie Jacobsen, an investigative reporter and author specializing in nuclear weapons and global security, delves into the terrifying reality of nuclear warfare. She discusses the staggering number of nuclear weapons globally and the chilling possibility of accidental launches. Jacobsen highlights how the actions of unstable leaders could lead to disaster, examines nuclear triads, and reveals the psychological pressures on decision-makers during crises. Her insights reveal the urgent need for communication between nations to de-escalate tensions and promote safety.
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Nuclear Silo Operations
- Andrew Bustamante, an ex-CIA agent, was a nuclear silo operative.
- Alarms in silos go off 24 times a day, and missileers don't know if they're real or drills.
Nuclear Interception Challenges
- Intercepting a nuke is difficult, with a 40-55% success rate.
- The US has only 44 interceptor missiles compared to Russia's 1674 deployed nukes.
Nuclear Target Triage
- The Pentagon is the primary target in a nuclear attack on the US.
- Most US cities have a nuclear weapon targeted at them.