NIDS Knowledge: Recent Episodes
jpetrosky@thinkdeterrence.com
NIDS Knowledge is a weekly broadcast of the National Institute for Deterrence Studies (NIDS) where we want to strengthen national security, preserve peace, and help you Think Deterrence! The show informs the public on key deterrence topics and develops critical thinking using ~9 minute lessons from the team of experts in NIDS.
In this electrifying episode of NIDS Knowledge, Dr. James Petrosky, President of the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, dives deep into the concept of energy resiliency and its critical role in national security and deterrence. From rubber ducks in hurricanes to solar storms and cyber threats, Dr. Petrosky breaks down the difference between survivability and resiliency, explores the vulnerabilities of the U.S. power grid, and proposes a modernized, distributed, and redundant energy infrastructure. Learn how upgrading our grid could deter adversaries and keep the lights on—no matter what. Tune in and power up your understanding of deterrence, one electron at a time.
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Curtis introduces the critical concepts of strategic and regional deterrence, explaining their definitions, differences, and importance in international security. He emphasizes the characteristics of both types of deterrence and how they work together to avert strategic attack and conflict management down to the local level.
Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/
Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/
Listen to our Podcasts https://thinkdeterrence.com/outreach/
Like and follow us –
The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence
X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ
Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence
Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com
Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/
In this conversation, host Aaron Holland discusses the hypothetical scenario of a nuclear strike on Cheyenne Mountain, a critical military installation. He explores the catastrophic implications of such an event, emphasizing the strategic vulnerabilities it would expose and outlines necessary improvements to the U.S. missile defense systems, including advanced interceptors, enhanced sensor networks, and better integration with allies. He also highlights the potential of directed energy weapons as a revolutionary approach to missile defense, advocating for continued investment in research and development to maintain deterrence and national security.
Host, Christopher Stone and Dr. Coyote Smith explore the historical significance of the Panama Canal and its implications for modern space strategy. Coyote discusses the influence of naval strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan on the canal's construction and its relevance to contemporary geopolitical concerns, particularly regarding choke points and national security. The discussion transitions to the future of the Space Force, emphasizing the need for a maritime approach to space operations and the importance of resource harvesting in the context of great power competition.
In this episode of NIDS Knowledge, host Joe Buff overviews how America should properly analyze setting the size of our nuclear deterrence arsenal. Factors include sound risk management, flexibility of yields and delivery options, and covering worst case scenarios where China, Russia, and North Korea pool their nukes for aggression.
In this episode, Dr. Carl Rhodes joins Christine and Natalie as a guest and discusses his report on small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and their implications for military strategy, particularly for the Australian Army. He highlights the growing threat posed by these systems, their evolution from commercial to military use, and the challenges they present in terms of air superiority. The conversation also delves into defense strategies, the balance between passive and active defenses, and the blurred lines between tactical and strategic military actions.
https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/library/occasional-papers/small-aircraft-sizeable-threats
Christopher Stone interviews David Marsh and they explore the strategic importance of the Arctic region, particularly Greenland, in the context of national security and space operations. David discusses the historical significance of the Arctic, the current geopolitical landscape involving great powers like Russia and China, and the implications of Greenland's potential independence. The dialogue emphasizes the need for the U.S. to maintain a strong presence in the Arctic, the importance of international partnerships, and the necessity of securing vital resources in the face of competition.
The views of the host and the guests do not represent any organizations they may be affiliated with.
https://spacenews.com/why-the-space-community-should-care-about-arctic-geopolitics/
In this episode, the Carl, Christine, and Natalie welcome Frank Miller and Madelyn Creedon to discuss the complexities of nuclear deterrence in the current geopolitical landscape, focusing on the challenges posed by China and Russia. They emphasize the urgency of modernization and the need for a balanced approach between nuclear and conventional capabilities. The conversation also explores the role of allies in the Asia-Pacific region, the potential for an Asian NATO, and the implications of nuclear proliferation among friendly nations.
In this conversation, Christopher Stone provides observations and critical analysis on the "Six Core Truths of the Space Force", recently articulated by the Chief of Space Operations. Are these really the "core truths" of a warfighting service or are these just another list rationalizing the service providing mentality the CSO is arguing against?
Carl and Christine welcome RAND researchers Dahlia Goldfeld and Nathan Beauchamp-Mustafaga to discuss their report titled “Denial Without Disaster: Keeping a US-China Conflict over Taiwan Under the Nuclear Threshold.” This episode delves into China’s nuclear buildup, its doctrine of nuclear first use, potential pathways to Chinese nuclear escalation and strategies the US can employ to minimize the likelihood of escalation.
In this episode of NIDS Knowledge, host Aaron Holland delves into the crucial elements that shape nuclear deterrence: escalation dominance and narrative control. Discover how the ability to control conflict dynamics and effectively communicate strategic intentions creates a powerful deterrent against potential adversaries. Aaron explores the interconnected nature of military strength and strategic messaging, emphasizing their role in maintaining global stability in a complex world. Tune in to learn why mastering this balance is essential for preserving peace in the nuclear age.
In this episode, Christopher Stone welcomes Dr. Brent Ziarnick to discuss what the next Trump Administration and Congress should do to strengthen the Space Force over the next four years. Challenges such as Pentagon bureaucracy, lack of armed capabilities, and its need for stronger service leadership are just a few of the items discussed.
The views of the host and guests are their own.
Carl, Christine, and Natalie discuss the concept of mass in military strategy, its relevance in modern warfare, and the implications of nuclear weapons on deterrence. They explore the evolution of air power, the importance of precision in strikes, and the current state of Australia's defense industry. The conversation highlights the need for innovation and the challenges faced in military preparedness in a rapidly changing global landscape.
In this episode, Christopher Stone provides commentary and context regarding recent space diplomatic activities at the UN and how repeating the same language over and over, without the shadow of military power to back it up, leads to strategic failure.
In this episode of NIDS Knowledge, host Aaron Holland explores the United States' long-standing grand strategy of nuclear inhibition—focused on preventing the spread of nuclear weapons to new states. From historical successes to modern-day challenges, Aaron delves into the pragmatic roots of inhibition, the credibility of extended deterrence, and the thought-provoking theories of scholars like Kenneth Waltz. Tune in to understand how the U.S. can sustain this critical strategy in the face of rising nuclear ambitions and global uncertainties.
In this episode, Christopher Stone argues for a re-evaluation of the U.S. Space Force's readiness and capability limitations in light of the expansion of counterspace threats to include nuclear ASATs and FOBS, as well as typical reversible weapons systems.
In this episode, Carl, Christine, and Natalie engage in a comprehensive discussion with Hugh White about the implications of China's growing nuclear capabilities and the shifting strategic landscape in the Asia-Pacific region. They explore Australia's position in this changing world, the dynamics of US-China military competition, and the lessons learned from the Cold War regarding nuclear deterrence.
In this episode, Christopher Stone welcomes Ilan Berman, Senior VP of the American Foreign Policy Council to discuss his recent op-ed on how Starlink could help captive nations' quest for freedom and aid in winning competition with China.
Joe Buff explains how China's and Russia's very low birth rates can make their nuclear first-use more likely..
In this episode Christopher Stone provides commentary on a recent editorial on space arms control from a "space security" advocate and provides some reality checks upon many of its views.
To read the editorial responded to see https://spacenews.com/in-shadow-war-diplomats-experts-seek-ban-weapons-from-space/
Natalie, Christine and Carl are joined by NATO Director of Nuclear Policy, Jim Stokes. They discuss how extended deterrence works at NATO, NATO’s role in the Indo-Pacific, the strategic challenge posed by China, specifically its nuclear buildup, and how NATO needs complementarity and coherence between conventional and nuclear deterrence and defense.
Dr. Brent Ziarnick joins Chris to discuss a recent report on America's GPS constellation and whether or not we as a nation are falling behind in great power competition with China in the field of space based positioning, navigation and timing (PNT)
This second episode in Maj. Gen. USAF (Ret.) Don Alston's Leadership Series, Don discusses the importance of setting expectations, incentivizing behaviors and enforcing standards to drive a self-critical culture essential to success in nuclear alert missions. Alston shares stories and examples to illustrate how culture can be cultivated and improved within an organization.
In this episode, Christopher Stone speaks with Dr. Kathleen Ellis about her paper on China’s version of GPS and its strategic impacts upon those peoples falling under the Belt and Road Initiative. Disclaimer: The thoughts, opinions and statements of the host and the guest are those and are not to be viewed as those of their employers or the Department of Defense.
Guest Dr. Casey Ellis https://nipp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vol.-3-No.-3.pdf
Carl hosts David Ochmanek to discuss deterring a potential invasion of Taiwan. Likely scenarios are discussed, military challenges are identified, and technological and operational solutions are proposed.
Christopher Stone explores the background and significance of U.S. policy and strategy changes regarding the Russian-made RD-180 engine and the US's former reliance on it. The episode discusses the decision to import the RD-180 engine and the movement away from it following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014.
Carl, Christine, and Natalie discuss preparedness, transparency, and acquisition in relation to deterrence. The Australian Triad also discuss Australia’s purchase of loitering munitions, its recent role in cyber deterrence, and the importance of readiness and sustainment to deterrence.
Guest, Jim Cooper, of COMSPOC, a commercial leader in space situational awareness (SSA) technology, shares his views regarding the past, present, and future of commercial sector space domain awareness and supporting the government with space traffic management.
The first in a series on leadership, Maj. Gen. USAF (Ret) Don Alston explains the part that risk, trust, and consequence plays in nuclear deterrence.
Dr. Peter Layton joins Carl, Christine, and Natalie to discuss Australia's National Defense Strategy and the concept of deterrence within an alliance. The strategy emphasizes conventional deterrence and working with the US and key partners to maintain a favorable regional strategic balance and explores the challenges of building a force to contribute to an alliance versus deterring independently, the role of offense and defense in the modern era, and the concept of integrated deterrence.
The views of the hosts and the guests are their own and not those of any organization that we are affiliated with
Christopher Stone welcomes Kevin Pollpeter, Director of Research, China Aerospace Studies Institute to talk about China's view on space deterrence and warfighting.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and don't reflect those of their employers.
Bob Peters describes the new American nuclear consensus and the difference between realists vs. arms controllers vs. disarmers.
In this introductory episode, Christopher begins a look into the concept of Competitive Endurance and why it's lack of enemy understanding is troubling and ineffective. More detailed episodes to follow.
The Australian triad, Carl, Christine, and Natalie, discuss the importance of transparency in deterrence, including transparency to the Australian public, partners, and potential adversaries. They highlight the need for clear communication of what Australia is deterring and the tools of deterrence, such as capability, credibility, and communication.
Christopher Stone and Dr. M. V. Coyote-Smith discuss the challenges and shortcomings of the mindset governing the Space Force and why a renewed focus on space superiority and offensive weapons are needed for defense.
The views of the host and guests on Real Space Strategy are their own and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense.
In this episode on uranium, NIDS Fellow and Chief of Staff Alex Littlefield follows up on a promise made by our president, Jim Petrosky, during a previous NIDS Knowledge episode titled “Nuclear Reactors, the forbidden topic” to record a future NIDS Knowledge podcast comparing the nuclear fuels used for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. This NIDS Knowledge episode on uranium will be followed with one on plutonium.
In this episode Christopher Stone looks at the experiences and past plans of General Curtis LeMay as a model that the Space Force seems to have forgotten despite it being a key part of Air Force strategy for decades: keeping friendly offensive forces, needed for deterrence (nuclear and space) more capable than enemy defenses.
Kirk Fansher discusses the safety and security of nuclear weapons and how the PRP ensures the most reliable individuals are in critical positions related to nuclear weapons.
Christopher Stone looks deeper into the threats posed by a nuclear Russian anti-satellite (ASAT) and why we are not prepared to deter or destroy such a threat due to current policy.
Christine and Natalie interview The Honorable Frank C. Miller where they discuss the need for the US to revitalize its nuclear arsenal and policies in the face of a tripolar superpower nuclear competition.
https://tinyurl.com/yx49uwv4
https://tinyurl.com/2p94vkr7
Jim describes how time, distance and shielding can reduce health effects from fall out.
More on the HHS Web Page: https://remm.hhs.gov/nuclearfallout.htm
Christopher Stone explains the difference between deterrence and defense and why they're not the same thing.
In this special episode, Natalie and Carl discuss Australia’s National Defence Strategy and the associated Integrated Investment Program. They examine the assumptions and discuss the plan to address Australia’s most challenging strategic environment since World War II.
Carl, Natalie, and special guest, Bob Peters, discuss options for extended AUKUS cooperation.
Chris talks with Brig Gen Michael Bruno, Director of Joint Staff, Colorado National Guard, about a proposal to absorb Air National Guard units into the Space Force.
What is the best way forward for space traffic management? Chris discusses this issue with Kevin O'Connell, former Director of Office Space Commerce.
Carl, Christine, Natalie, and Justin discuss whether Australia can trust the United States to deliver deterrence as part of their alliance.
Chris Stone discusses why the opposition to the establishment of the Space National Guard is contrary to the Founding principles of the Constitution.
Dr. Justin Jacobsen explains the five D's of our nuclear weapons security deter, detect, delay, deny, and defeat and the importance of each.
Chris discusses re-optimization of the space force for great power competition and the need for high intensity conflict readiness.
Jim responds to a listener's question about natural sources of atomic radiation and describes dose units and health effects.
Chris Stone and Lt Col, USAF (Retired) Stewart Aitkencade discuss the background and reform efforts of space export control regimes.
In this episode, Chris Stone explains what space export control reform and why it's an issue.
In this episode, Adam shares the need for a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) known as the Sentinel.
Chris Stone explains navigation warfare and Its threats in today's episode of Real Space Strategy.
Jim describes what happens in the fall out after the detonation in part of this series.
Guest, Peter Garretson joins Chris to discuss Space Force's need for their own Public Affairs and Legislative Affairs offices.
Part one of a two part series on nuclear fall out where Jim will be discussing radioactivity and how things become radioactive.
Jim delivers a magical story about the formation of NIDS adapted from the poem, "Twas the Night Before Christmas". “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” was first published in 1823 in the Troy Sentinel newspaper with the name, “Account of a Visit From St. Nicholas.”
Guest Dr. Michael "Coyote" Smith joins Christopher to discuss the space force's recently released comprehensive strategy and whether it is sufficient.
Dr Brent Ziarnick joins Christopher Stone in the first NIDS - Real Space Strategy show to discuss General Thomas S Power's concept of space based deterrence and why he should be the war fighting icon of today.
Adam discusses how special operations and nuclear deterrence operations can work together to improve integrated deterrence.
Dr. Adam Lowther walks through the history of Taiwan's nuclear weapons program and speculates on whether it will complete what it once started.
Dr. Adam Lowther talks about Able Archer 1983 and offers a more accurate view based on recently declassified documents.
Curtis describes nuclear Alert, it's purpose, and recalls his experience of life on nuclear Alert.
Dr. James Petrosky defines the purpose of a think tank on the first anniversary of NIDS.
The scientific method provides a framework for getting good results and making the right decisions for National Security. Dr. Petrosky provides examples of key concepts to "get it right."
Dr. James Petrosky describes science and the scientific method and its impact on deterrence.
Brig Gen (ret), USAF, Eric H. Froehlich talks about Operation Looking Glass, and his experiences supporting it.
Curtis McGiffin discusses the National Airborne Operations Center mission, and his experiences with it.
Dr. James Petrosky provides information about the functional sensors used in ground and space systems.
This show provides a description of the command and control structure and process for NC3
Dr. Petrosky describes how he entered into the nuclear deterrence workforce and gives suggestions to form a career path.
Jacob Blank connects the field of weather to nuclear deterrence and provides background for young professionals to become part of the deterrence workforce.
Robyn Hutchins takes us on a journey of her background and professional path while highlighting the link between academia, the private sector, and nuclear deterrence.
In this episode, Dr. Petrosky provides examples of some technical disciplines needed for the Nuclear Deterrence Workforce
This is part 1 of a series on the nuclear deterrence workforce. Are you interested in a career in the nuclear deterrence workforce? Find out why it is not just about nuclear engineering.
Dr. Clark describes the effects of dust in nuclear explosion and wraps up his BOSTARD series.
Dr. Clark continues with his series on nuclear effects as he explores a nuclear weapon's initial radiation effects.
Dr. Lowther provides an historic review of Russian nuclear strategy as a basis for Putin's current actions.
Dr. Clark describes the unique outputs of Blast Overpressure and Shock from a nuclear weapon.
Dr. Clark provides an overview of the primary nuclear effects and begins with a description of EMP. This is a part of a multi-part series related to nuclear effects.
Dr. Petrosky ends the survivability with suggestions related to lessons learned from previous analysis and modern methods of analysis.
Dr. Petrosky describes the methods used to system survivability and provides examples based upon certain nuclear effects.
Dr. Petrosky lays out the basic concepts of nuclear survivability in an amusing yet informative story.
Not all warfare is executed on the same scale. Dr. Lowther discusses each and how each can lead to larger scale conflict or a deterrent effect.
As technology advances, the time for warning and response is reduced. Dr. Lowther describes how this affects deterrence.
Dr. Petrosky teaches about nuclear vs. convention fuels with respect to the location of the detonation.
Dr. Sam Stanton explains the concepts of Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, and Constructivism to understand past and current behaviors as well as future predictors of actors in the international system.
Dr. Petrosky discusses the difference in nuclear and conventional fuels and how they change the availability of weapons. and deterrence methods.
Bill Murphy (NIDS Senior Fellow) discusses the TRIAD…and how it provides the “capability” portion of the deterrence equation. He provides information and characteristics on each of the three legs; Intercontinental Ballistic missiles (ICBMs), Submarine-launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) and Nuclear capable Bombers. He wraps up by identifying the reasons the US needs to successfully field modernized systems.
Dr. Christine Leah is a NIDS fellow, she has government experience, she was a visiting fellow at CISS in Pakistan, a Postdoctoral Associate at Yale University, a Stanton Postdoctoral Fellow in Nuclear Security at MIT, a visiting fellow at Nanyang Technological University, a journalist at Karen News. She has also worked at RAND, IISS and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. She completed her PhD at the Strategic and Defense Studies Centre of the Australian National University.
In this episode, James Petrosky explains the basic differences between conventional and nuclear detonation.
Dr. Adam Lowther describes the definition of deterrence, where it resides and why it is important. He explains the three forms of deterrence; dissuasion, denial, and threat.