Born during WW2, I grew up in a world terrified of a nuclear war. In my analysis deterrence works for one reason only.
The crazy pack of psychopaths we call world leaders always act in what they see as their own best interest. Sun Tzu put it perfectly when he wrote "An evil enemy, will burn his own nation to the ground... to rule over the ashes".
Deterrence works not because of the massive destruction or the loss of life, these are factors that don't enter into the calculations of psychopaths. It works only because a nuclear war targets the leaders. If the leaders had to lead their troops into battle wars would be very rare. A nuclear exchange puts the monsters on the front line, and that works.
Scary indeed. We should consider deterrence as part of the carrot and stick combo. On the news a US general said we need to give Putin a face-saving 'way out' because if he winds up in a no-win situation no one knows what he may do.
There are many options other than Nuclear Weapons: Consider Russia's TOS thermobaric weapons - they could be nearly as devastating against a civilian population as a tactical nuke.
If Russia's troops experience more humiliation at the hands of Ukrainians defending their homes, Putin may feel the need to do something atrocious to re-establish the Russian army's reputation. He may stop short of Nukes but still do some very awful things. These things may not affect Americans but they will affect humans.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has issued updated guidance to its “Nuclear Explosion” readiness public awareness website, which includes tips to avoid Covid!
FEMA recommends the following steps to prevent "significant radiation exposure," which include “Try to maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household,” and “If possible, wear a mask if you’re sheltering with people who are not part of your household...If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and let the operator know if you have, or think you might have, Covid-19. If you can, put on a mask before help arrives...Many people already feel fear and anxiety about the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The threat of nuclear explosion can add additional stress.”
If a nuclear explosion occurs nearby, I don't think that COVID-19 will be my primary concern.
Born during WW2, I grew up in a world terrified of a nuclear war. In my analysis deterrence works for one reason only.
The crazy pack of psychopaths we call world leaders always act in what they see as their own best interest. Sun Tzu put it perfectly when he wrote "An evil enemy, will burn his own nation to the ground... to rule over the ashes".
Deterrence works not because of the massive destruction or the loss of life, these are factors that don't enter into the calculations of psychopaths. It works only because a nuclear war targets the leaders. If the leaders had to lead their troops into battle wars would be very rare. A nuclear exchange puts the monsters on the front line, and that works.
MMK
Scary indeed. We should consider deterrence as part of the carrot and stick combo. On the news a US general said we need to give Putin a face-saving 'way out' because if he winds up in a no-win situation no one knows what he may do.
There are many options other than Nuclear Weapons: Consider Russia's TOS thermobaric weapons - they could be nearly as devastating against a civilian population as a tactical nuke.
If Russia's troops experience more humiliation at the hands of Ukrainians defending their homes, Putin may feel the need to do something atrocious to re-establish the Russian army's reputation. He may stop short of Nukes but still do some very awful things. These things may not affect Americans but they will affect humans.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has issued updated guidance to its “Nuclear Explosion” readiness public awareness website, which includes tips to avoid Covid!
FEMA recommends the following steps to prevent "significant radiation exposure," which include “Try to maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household,” and “If possible, wear a mask if you’re sheltering with people who are not part of your household...If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and let the operator know if you have, or think you might have, Covid-19. If you can, put on a mask before help arrives...Many people already feel fear and anxiety about the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The threat of nuclear explosion can add additional stress.”
If a nuclear explosion occurs nearby, I don't think that COVID-19 will be my primary concern.