Episoder
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In this episode of NucleCast, Adam welcomes Chris Stone to discuss the recent executive order regarding the Iron Dome for America . They explore the implications of the order, the differences between the Israeli Iron Dome and the proposed American system, and the feasibility of developing a comprehensive missile defense system. The conversation also delves into budget considerations, the role of space in national defense, and innovative approaches to missile defense, emphasizing the urgency of addressing vulnerabilities in the face of emerging threats.
Christopher Stone is a prominent figure in space policy, currently serving as a Senior Fellow for Space Deterrence at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, where he focuses on research related to space warfare strategies and deterrence, particularly in the context of great power competition; he previously held a position as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy at the Pentagon, giving him significant experience in the field of U.S. space policy development at a high level.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Iron Dome for America
03:13 Understanding the Executive Order
05:52 Comparing Iron Dome Systems: Israel vs. America
09:08 Feasibility of Building a Comprehensive Defense System
11:51 Budget Considerations and Strategic Implications
15:01 The Role of Space in National Defense
18:05 Innovative Approaches to Missile Defense
20:55 The Future of Space-Based Interceptors
23:55 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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Beth Rafferty, Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics at Electric Boat, talks about the complexities of submarine construction and the challenges facing the industrial base. They discuss the current state of the submarine industrial base, the need for skilled labor, the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains, and the future of submarine production.
Beth Rafferty was named Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics in June 2021. In this position, she is responsible for the material and acquisition value stream across the business, including design and engineering, construction, material conveyance, supply chain development, strategic sourcing and product life cycle. Beth began her career at Electric Boat in 1994 and has served in a range of positions including Director of Integrated Power Systems, Director of Naval Architecture and Structural Engineering and Design, and most recently as Vice President of the Columbia Program. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from New York Polytechnic University and is a graduate of the company's business leader program.
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Adam engages with Professor Yohichiro Sato to explore the evolving security landscape in Asia, particularly from the Japanese perspective. The conversation delves into Japan's concerns regarding North Korea's nuclear ambitions, China's assertiveness in the region, and the implications for Japan's defense policies. Sato discusses the strong anti-nuclear sentiment in Japan, the potential reconsideration of nuclear weapons, and the importance of the US-Japan alliance in maintaining regional stability. The episode concludes with reflections on future scenarios and the need for collaboration among regional powers.
PROFESSOR YOICHIRO SATO holds a BA (Law) from Keio University, MA (International Studies) from University of South Carolina, and Ph.D. (Political Science) from University of Hawaii. He currently teaches at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. He was also a visiting senior research fellow at Yusof Ishak Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), 2022-23. His major works include Re-Rising Japan (co-edited with Hidekazu Sakai, Peter Lang, 2017), Handbook of Indo-Pacific Studies (co-edited with Barbara Kratiuk, Jeroen Van den Bosch, and Aleksandra Jaskólska, Routledge, 2023), and Alliances in Asia and Europe: The Evolving Indo-Pacific Strategic Context and Inter-Regional Alignments (co-edited with Elena Atanassova-Cornelis and Tom Sauer, Routledge, 2023). He is active in media and foreign policy circles, appearing and having written for and been quoted, in more than 30 media and think tank outlets globally, including BBC, Al Jazeera, and Bloomberg.
Chapters
00:00 Japanese Perspectives on Regional Security
14:56 The Credibility of the US-Japan Alliance
30:02 Future Scenarios and Japan's Nuclear Considerations
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In this episode of NucleCast, Adam and Dr. John Swegle discuss the implications of a recent missile attack in Ukraine, where an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was used in a conventional capacity. They delve into the specifics of the attack, the characteristics of the missile, and the potential messaging and escalation dynamics involved. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for NATO and the future of nuclear and conventional warfare.
Dr. John Swegle works as an independent consultant through the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska on issues related to the effects of nuclear weapons and proliferation on US national security. Immediately prior to that, he was a Senior Advisory Scientist at the Savannah River National Laboratory in Aiken, South Carolina. He began his career at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he was a member of the plasma theory group, and then moved to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he conducted and managed analyses of foreign technology and nuclear programs in what was then Z Division; he also worked in a nuclear design division for several years where he was introduced to the basic concepts of nuclear design and nuclear-driven electromagnetic pulse. He is a graduate of Cornell University, where he obtained an MS and PhD in applied physics with a specialty in plasma physics, and the University of Washington in Seattle, where he earned BSEE and MSEE degrees.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Attack on Ukraine
03:02 Details of the Missile Attack
14:25 Implications of Using ICBMs Conventionally
15:13 Messaging and Escalation Dynamics
24:54 Wishes for Future Considerations
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In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther engages with Guy Taylor, the national security editor at the Washington Times, to discuss the current state of global security amidst a significant transition of power in the U.S. They explore the implications of Trump's second term, the unpredictable nature of his administration, and the intersection of technology and national security. The conversation also delves into the pressing issue of balancing defense spending with entitlement programs, the potential for privatization in weapons development, and the hopes for a more peaceful global landscape in the coming years.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to National Security Dynamics
01:53 Transition of Power and Global Security Challenges
07:33 The Role of Technology in National Security
19:29 Guns vs. Butter Debate: Balancing Defense and Entitlements
20:08 The Future of U.S. Defense Spending and Efficiency
28:12 Wishes for Global Peace and Diplomacy
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Michael Elliott talks about the intricate process of nuclear planning and outlines the eight-step nuclear planning process, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required from various military and intelligence agencies. He addresses common misconceptions about nuclear launch protocols, highlighting the rigorous safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized or accidental launches. The conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities of nuclear strategy and the importance of informed policy-making in today's geopolitical landscape.
Mr. Elliott is a retired member of the Senior Executive Service and current National Security Consultant. Mr. Elliott is an adviser to the Nuclear Deterrence External Advisory Board for Sandia National Laboratories.
From September 2010 to November 2015 Mr. Elliott was Deputy Director for Strategic Stability, Plans and Policy Directorate, The Joint Staff. In this capacity he was a senior advisor to the Director, Plans and Policy and Chairman for shaping and implementation of national security plans and policy. He represented the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Interagency Policy Committee debate on such diverse topics as National Nuclear Technical Forensics, implementation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, Chemical Weapons Convention, Biological Weapons Convention, Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, CFE, Vienna Document, Open Skies Treaty and the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. In 2015 the President conferred upon Mr. Elliott the rank of Meritorious Executive in the Senior Executive Service.
From April 2009 to August 2010, Mr. Elliott served as the Chairman’s representative to the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty negotiations with the Russian Federation.
From June 2003 to April 2009 Mr. Elliott was a member of United States Strategic Command, culminating his tour as the Deputy Director for Plans and Policy, responsible for the shaping and implementation of national security plans and policy as it applied to the Command and the execution of its mission.
Mr. Elliott returned to government service in June 2003, following 7 years in the private sector, where he was an Assistant Vice President with Science Applications International Corporation.
Mr. Elliott retired from the United States Air Force, in January 1996, following 25 years of service. Mr. Elliott’s duties included a distinguished flying career in the B-1B, FB-111, and B-52G.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Nuclear Planning and Michael Elliott
15:03 The Eight-Step Nuclear Planning Process
30:00 Collaborative Efforts in Nuclear Strategy
30:35 Misconceptions About Nuclear Launch Protocols
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In this special 200th episode of NucleCast, Jill Hruby, the Administrator of NNSA and Undersecretary of the Department of Energy for Nuclear Security, discusses the achievements and challenges faced by NNSA during her tenure, including the modernization of nuclear weapons, strengthening international partnerships, and the importance of infrastructure projects. Jill shares insights on the Strategic Posture Commission's recommendations, the plans for pit production, and the significance of the National Ignition Facility (NIF). She emphasizes the need for a renewed focus on nuclear IQ and offers advice for future leadership in the nuclear enterprise.
Administrator Jill Hruby was Senate confirmed as the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration in 2021.
Administrator Hruby leads NNSA in achieving our Nation’s nuclear security missions to sustain and fully understand our nuclear weapons stockpile; provide new technologies and procedures to lower cost and reduce the time to deliver all mission requirements; staying ahead of our adversaries; and developing advanced capabilities to enhance nuclear security, arms control, and Navy reactors.
Prior to her nomination as Administrator, Ms. Hruby served as Director of Sandia National Laboratories from 2015-17 and has an extensive background in science and engineering spanning more than 40 years.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to NNSA and Jill Hruby
01:31 Reflecting on Achievements and Challenges
04:34 Infrastructure Projects and Challenges
10:18 Strategic Posture Commission Insights
12:30 Pit Production Plans and Timelines
16:31 NIF and Its Significance
19:41 Increased Activity Across NNSA
22:17 Advice for Future Leadership
26:08 Wishes for the Nuclear Enterprise
29:53 Parting Message and Future Outlook
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Host Adam Lowther interviews retired Lieutenant General In-Bum Chun about the recent political turmoil in South Korea, including President Yoon's declaration of martial law and the ongoing impeachment process. General Chun provides insights into the historical context of South Korean politics, the current political divide, and the implications of these events for the future of the country. He emphasizes the need for unity and support from the United States during this critical time.
Lieutenant General In-Bum Chun (ROK, Ret) served his country with both honor and integrity for nearly four decades. Chun retired in 2016 after distinguished service in the South Korean Army.
During his military career which started in 1978 at the Korea Military Academy he ascended to positions of leadership that included, the Chief of the Election Support Branch, Civil Military Affairs/Strategic Operations Directorate of the Multinational Forces in Iraq, the Director of U.S. Affairs at the Ministry of National Defense (ROK), Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff of Operations for the U.S.-ROK Combined Forces Command, Senior member of the UNCMAC, the Commander of the ROK Special Warfare Command, and the Deputy Commander for the First ROK Army.
Chun is a holder of three U.S Legions of Merit, the US Bronze Star Medal and the USSOCOM Medal.
His interests and expertise in national defense and security policy saw him awarded positions that included Visiting Fellow at the Center for East Asia Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution, Visiting researcher at the US-Korea Institute at SAIS, Johns Hopkins University and as Visiting fellow at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Tech.
Currently, Chun is serving as a Senior Fellow with the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and the Vice-president of the Air and Space Forces Association (AFA) MIG Alley Chapter and is on the Advisory board for the National Bureau of Asian Research, the Global SOF Foundation, the Global American Business Institute and the Korean Modelers Association as well as a Senior Contributor for the Asia Society Korea and a fellow with the Institute of Corea American Studies and Distinguished Military Fellow with the Institute of Security and Development Policy in Sweden.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Political Crisis in South Korea
05:48 Martial Law Declaration and Its Implications
11:48 Impeachment Process and Political Dynamics
22:50 Historical Context of South Korean Politics
29:59 Wishes for the Future of South Korea
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In this episode, Adam interviews Kris Osborn, a prominent defense journalist and president of the Center for Military Modernization. They discuss various topics including the U.S. nuclear posture, the implications of low yield weapons, advancements in digital engineering for defense acquisition, infrastructure challenges with the Sentinel and B-21 programs, cybersecurity in modern defense systems, China's military strategy, the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and the future of U.S. defense policy amidst political changes.
Kris Osborn is President and Editor in Chief of the Center for Military Modernization, think tank fellow, military technology analyst and former Dept. of the Army civilian working as a writer, information liaison and military expert for the U.S. Army. Osborn is also a former CNN anchor who serves currently as President and Editor-in-Chief of Warrior Maven - a military weapons and emerging technology site for news reports and analysis.
In recent years, Osborn also spent time as the Defense Editor of The National Interest and, in addition to leading Warrior Maven, he also currently works as a Professor of English Literature at Northern Virginia Community College.
The site - warriormaven.com - began as a start up and now reaches millions with cutting edge weapons, technology and military strategy content. The site regularly features intvs with US military leaders, weapons developers, analysts and military experts.
Osborn recently served as Editor-in-Chief of Defense Systems, a military IT/C4ISR/Cyber/Weapons Systems news site. He managed reporters, generated original content and lead the site, often interviewing high level IT/C4ISR/Weapons experts.
Prior to this, Osborn served as a Navy & Air Force expert associate editor with Military.com. In this role, Osborn interviewed senior Navy and Air Force leaders, program managers and weapons developers.
While an Army civilian just prior to Military.com - Osborn worked as a Highly Qualified Expert (SES level) civilian with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army - Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Here Osborn analyzed weapons programs, wrote for and briefed 3 and 4-star senior leaders and independently authored original weapons and acquisition content for Army academic journals and publications - such as the Army's Weapons System Handbook. He also worked on speeches for senior leaders and ghost-wrote material as a weapons and military acquisition expert.
Osborn also served as the Land War reporter for Defense News, and spent more than a decade as a TV news correspondent, anchor and military specialist. He was an anchor and military specialist at CNN Headline News, CNN Correspondent (at Pentagon for a bit) and Fox News Correspondent. In more recent years, Osborn regularly appeared as an expert military guest on MSNBC and Fox News.
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In this conversation, General Retired Robin Rand discusses the critical role of personnel in maintaining the U.S. Air Force's strategic deterrent capabilities. He highlights the challenges of operating and maintaining aging military assets, the importance of leadership and motivation in harsh conditions, and the evolving training processes for pilots. Rand emphasizes the significance of the triad in strategic deterrence and praises the quality of today's military personnel, while also acknowledging the sacrifices made by their families.
General (Ret) Robin Rand is the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute (OADII). In this role, he is the lead executive for the University of Oklahoma’s institute that concentrates on the four national defense strategic research areas of international security policy, modernization and sustainment resilience, cyberspace and information dominance, and spectrum dominance.
General (Ret) Rand served for over 40 years on active duty in the United States Air Force, including six overseas assignments, multiple flying assignments and duty as an air liaison officer with the U.S. Army, studies at the Naval War College, Pentagon staff assignments as a policy planner on the Joint staff, principle director for Middle East policy for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Director Legislative Liaison for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, and eight different command tours. His last Air Force position was Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Commander, Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command where he was responsible for the land and air legs of the Nation’s nuclear triad. He is a command pilot with over 5,100 flying hours, predominately in the F-16, including more than 480 combat hours.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of People in Strategic Deterrence
02:58 Challenges of Maintaining Diverse Military Assets
06:01 Modernization and Maintenance of Aging Systems
09:10 Leadership and Motivation in Harsh Conditions
11:54 Training and Evolving Technologies in the Air Force
14:45 The Triad: Understanding Strategic Deterrence
18:09 The Quality of Today's Military Personnel
21:10 Family Challenges in Military Deployments
23:50 Skills Gained from Military Service
27:08 The Collective Effort of Team Air Force
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Tim Nank, a former Naval Intelligence Officer, discusses the complexities and implications of tactical nuclear weapons. He explores the evolution, advantages, and potential use of these weapons in modern warfare, as well as the perceptions surrounding their effects. The conversation delves into the geopolitical landscape, the need for public education on nuclear issues, and the future of nuclear strategy amidst rising tensions globally.
Tim Nank, is a consultant for CACI International, an Adjunct Professor at Catholic University and a former intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy. He has over 20 years of national level experience in management with national security, intelligence collection and analysis, proliferation analysis, counter terrorism, and operations impacting issues at the highest strategic levels of government. Tim is a former White House Appointee that focused on nuclear weapon non-proliferation and counter-terrorism under President George W. Bush. After that, Tim continued his work in nuclear non-proliferation and counter-terrorism in a variety of intelligence agencies.
Additionally, Tim spent 16 years in the US Navy as an intelligence officer in an active duty and reserve capacity. He has served in a variety of different commands such as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and aboard the USS PONCE-15 (AFSB-i). Tim has also been an Adjunct Professor at Trinity University (DC) teaching graduate classes for the School of Business and Graduate Studies and the School of Professional and Graduate Studies. He also consulted for companies such as SAIC, ANSER and Booz Allen Hamilton for a variety of different programs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tactical Nuclear Weapons
03:11 The Evolution and Advantages of Tactical Nuclear Weapons
05:54 Debate on Yield and Usability of Nuclear Weapons
09:00 Perceptions of Nuclear Weapons Effects
12:05 Geopolitical Implications of Tactical Nuclear Weapons
15:00 Future of Tactical Nuclear Weapons
17:53 Public Understanding and Education on Nuclear Weapons
20:56 Wishes for the Future of Nuclear Strategy
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Jim Howe hosts Gen (Ret.) Robin Rand, the Executive Director of Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) where they discuss the establishment of OADII and it's research is accelerating critical results for our nations security.
In his role, General Rand is the lead executive for the University of Oklahoma’s institute that concentrates on the four national defense strategic research areas of international security policy, modernization and sustainment resilience, cyberspace and information dominance, and spectrum dominance.
General (Ret) Rand served for over 40 years on active duty in the United States Air Force, including six overseas assignments, multiple flying assignments and duty as an air liaison officer with the U.S. Army, studies at the Naval War College, Pentagon staff assignments as a policy planner on the Joint staff, principle director for Middle East policy for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Director Legislative Liaison for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, and eight different command tours. His last Air Force position was Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Commander, Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command where he was responsible for the land and air legs of the Nation’s nuclear triad. He is a command pilot with over 5,100 flying hours, predominately in the F-16, including more than 480 combat hours.
After retiring from the Air Force in Sep 2018, he served as Chief Executive Officer for the Gary Sinise Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings, Board of Directors member for Top Aces Corporation and the Air and Space Forces Association, trustee member for the United States Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation, LEONID board of advisors member, strategic advisor in government relations and public policy for Baker Donelson Law Firm, adjunct contract professor and senior mentor for United States Air Force, and senior consultant for several defense-related organizations
General (Ret) Rand has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Science from the United States Air Force Academy; Master of Science Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Master of Arts Degree in National Security Policy from the Naval War College.
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Aaron Holland, a passionate young scholar in the field of nuclear deterrence, shares his journey from a master's student to a PhD candidate, discussing the complexities of nuclear strategy and the challenges he faced in military recruitment. He emphasizes the importance of networking, mentorship, and resilience in pursuing a career in the nuclear field. The conversation also touches on the need for greater awareness of career opportunities and the significance of paying it forward to the next generation of scholars.
Aaron Holland is a Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science at the University of Utah & an Analyst at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, specializing in international relations, complex deterrence theories, and comparative politics. His research focuses on nuclear weapons deterrence, rational and psychological factors in decision-making, and the intersection of narrative control and security dynamics. Aaron has published extensively on topics such as nuclear superiority, escalation dominance, and narrative influence in global security, and he currently serves as an analyst at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. His work aims to bridge theoretical insights with practical applications in policy and international security.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Aaron Holland and His Journey
01:37 The Fascination with Nuclear Deterrence
04:21 Challenges in Military Recruitment and Personal Journey
08:07 Navigating Academic Paths in Nuclear Studies
10:53 Networking and Finding Mentors
14:53 Creating Opportunities in the Nuclear Field
18:54 Pursuing a Career in Nuclear Practice
23:41 Wishes for Workforce Development
27:34 Increasing Awareness of Career Opportunities
32:25 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Next Generation
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In this episode of NucleCast, Bob Peters discusses the often-misunderstood concept of escalation in national security. He explores how escalation is perceived negatively by many national security professionals, leading to a risk-averse approach that can undermine deterrence. Peters argues that the U.S. needs to embrace escalation as a strategic tool, especially in the context of being a status quo power. The conversation also touches on the challenges within military education and the need for a shift in mindset regarding the use of military force.
Robert Peters is a Research Fellow for Nuclear Deterrence and Missile Defense in The Heritage Foundation’s Allison Center for National Security. Prior to joining Heritage, Peters served as the lead strategist at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, where he oversaw the office that developed the Agency’s five-year strategy, conducted the Agency’s research and tabletop exercise program, and executed Agency-level program evaluations. Leading a team of forty-two people, Peters revamped the research function within the Agency and oversaw the Department of Defense’s Track 1.5 and Track 2 strategic dialogues with allies and partners.
For many years, Peters served as a Senior Research Fellow at National Defense University’s Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, where he focused on nuclear deterrence issues, countering weapons of mass destruction, and counterproliferation.
In the first Obama Administration, Peters served as the Special Advisor for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he worked on the New START nuclear arms control treaty, the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review, and the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review.
In addition, Peters held positions at Northrop Grumman and the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.
A graduate of Miami University and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, Peters has lectured at National War College, Missouri State University, Army War College, and the United States Naval Academy
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Escalation in National Security
05:41 Understanding Escalation as a Tool
12:46 The Impact of Status Quo on Escalation
19:38 Challenges in Military Thinking
26:59 Wishes for Military Strategy Reform
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In this episode of NucleCast, Zak Kallenborn discusses the implications of AI legislation, particularly California's SB 1047, and its intersection with national security and weapons proliferation. He explores the potential risks of AI in biological research and the challenges of regulating such technologies. The conversation shifts to the evolving role of AI in drone warfare, including the use of autonomous drones in combat and their potential impact on nuclear weapons monitoring.
Zachary is an Adjunct Fellow (Non-resident) Strategic Technologies Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) as well as a Policy Fellow at the Center for Security Policy Studies, George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government. He has published over 50 articles on autonomous weapons, weapons of mass destruction, and apocalyptic terrorism in a wide range of peer-reviewed, wonky, and popular outlets, including the Brookings Institution, Foreign Policy, Slate, Terrorism and Political Violence, and Parameters. Journalists have written about and shared that research in the New York Times, NPR, Forbes, the New Scientist, WIRED, and the BBC, among dozens of others in dozens of languages.
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In this episode of NucleCast, host Jim Howe interviews General Robin Rand, a recently retired Air Force general with a remarkable 40-year career. The conversation covers General Rand's early influences, his journey through flight training, and his various global assignments during pivotal moments in history, including the Cold War and the aftermath of 9/11. The discussion also delves into his leadership roles, particularly in the context of the Air Force's evolving focus on nuclear deterrence and the establishment of the Air Force Global Strike Command. General Rand shares insights on the importance of strategic deterrence and the dedication of the men and women serving in the Air Force.
General (Ret) Robin Rand is the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute (OADII). In this role, he is the lead executive for the University of Oklahoma’s institute that concentrates on the four national defense strategic research areas of international security policy, modernization and sustainment resilience, cyberspace and information dominance, and spectrum dominance.
General (Ret) Rand served for over 40 years on active duty in the United States Air Force, including six overseas assignments, multiple flying assignments and duty as an air liaison officer with the U.S. Army, studies at the Naval War College, Pentagon staff assignments as a policy planner on the Joint staff, principle director for Middle East policy for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Director Legislative Liaison for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, and eight different command tours. His last Air Force position was Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Commander, Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command where he was responsible for the land and air legs of the Nation’s nuclear triad. He is a command pilot with over 5,100 flying hours, predominately in the F-16, including more than 480 combat hours.
After retiring from the Air Force in Sep 2018, he served as Chief Executive Officer for the Gary Sinise Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings, Board of Directors member for Top Aces Corporation and the Air and Space Forces Association, trustee member for the United States Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation, LEONID board of advisors member, strategic advisor in government relations and public policy for Baker Donelson Law Firm, adjunct contract professor and senior mentor for United States Air Force, and senior consultant for several defense-related organizations.
General (Ret) Rand has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Science from the United States Air Force Academy; Master of Science Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Master of Arts Degree in National Security Policy from the Naval War College.
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In this episode of NucleCast, Adam Lowther and Bob Peters discuss the implications of the October 7th anniversary, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Israel and the broader Middle East. They explore the failures of deterrence leading up to the attack, the complexities of Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the evolving dynamics between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The conversation also delves into the historical context of the Palestinian issue.
Robert Peters is a Research Fellow for Nuclear Deterrence and Missile Defense in The Heritage Foundation’s Allison Center for National Security. Prior to joining Heritage, Peters served as the lead strategist at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, where he oversaw the office that developed the Agency’s five-year strategy, conducted the Agency’s research and tabletop exercise program, and executed Agency-level program evaluations. Leading a team of forty-two people, Peters revamped the research function within the Agency and oversaw the Department of Defense’s Track 1.5 and Track 2 strategic dialogues with allies and partners.
For many years, Peters served as a Senior Research Fellow at National Defense University’s Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, where he focused on nuclear deterrence issues, countering weapons of mass destruction, and counterproliferation.
In the first Obama Administration, Peters served as the Special Advisor for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he worked on the New START nuclear arms control treaty, the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review, and the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review.
In addition, Peters held positions at Northrop Grumman and the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.
A graduate of Miami University and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, Peters has lectured at National War College, Missouri State University, Army War College, and the United States Naval Academy
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context of October 7th
03:02 Deterrence Failures and the Israeli Response
05:59 Iran's Nuclear Ambitions and Regional Dynamics
08:45 The Future of Israel and Iran Relations
11:49 The Role of Arab Nations and Regional Politics
14:47 The Palestinian Perspective and Historical Context
18:03 Bob's Wishes for Peace and Resolution
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In this episode of NucleCast, Adam and Chris Stone engage in a deep discussion about the concept of dynamic parity in nuclear deterrence. They explore the implications of parity versus superiority in military strategy, the challenges of arms control, and the political landscape affecting defense spending. The conversation highlights the need for modernization in the U.S. nuclear arsenal and the importance of understanding adversaries' capabilities and strategies.
Christopher Stone is a Senior Fellow for Space Deterrence Studies at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies and Host of Real Space Strategy podcast. He previously served as special assistant to the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy.
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Captain Retired Brad Baker discusses the development of the nuclear engineering program at the U.S. Naval Academy and the recruitment of nuclear propulsion officers. He emphasizes the importance of technical training and the opportunities available in the Navy for those with a nuclear engineering background. Brad also talks about the additive manufacturing program at the Naval Academy and its significance for the Navy. He envisions the merging of energetics and additive manufacturing, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in additive manufacturing and highlights the need for advancements in the qualification of additive manufacturing parts.
Proudly starting his military career as an enlisted Sailor, Dr. Brad Baker completed a distinguished 36-year career in the Navy retiring as a Captain with degrees in Marine Engineering, Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy, and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. He served in a variety of leadership positions in submarines followed by over 10 years as a Permanent Military Professor at the United States Naval Academy where he was one of few military members promoted to Associate Professor. A strong advocate for the Naval Academy and education, he has the longest tenure as chairman of the Naval Academy’s Admission Board serving in that capacity for 7 years. He has received multiple award recognitions including teaching awards, selection as one of the 20 most influential academics in smart manufacturing in 2021, the first ever education and workforce development award by America Makes in 2024, and other awards. Following his retirement from the military, he became Principal Engineer for Energetics Technology Center bringing his leadership and technical expertise to expand the engineering analysis and strategic policy around energetic materials and advanced manufacturing. His technical areas of expertise include materials science, nuclear engineering, microscopy, and additive manufacturing.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:27 Establishing the Nuclear Engineering Program at the Naval Academy
05:52 Recruiting Nuclear Propulsion Officers
10:11 The Significance of Additive Manufacturing at the Naval Academy
17:29 Merging Energetics and Additive Manufacturing
20:39 Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Additive Manufacturing
29:16 Advancements in Qualification of Additive Manufacturing Parts
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Dr. Adam Lowther joins guest host, Jim Howe, to discuss the current state of America's nuclear deterrent and proposes a new approach called Dynamic Parity. He explains that Dynamic Parity aims to create a balance of nuclear capability between the US and autocratic regimes, prevent superiority of adversaries, enhance extended deterrence, and manage the growth or decline of nuclear weapons. Lowther emphasizes the importance of transparency and clear communication to avoid ambiguity and misinterpretation. He also offers recommendations, including the need for a national debate on defense spending, prioritizing nuclear capabilities, and adhering to the Weinberger Doctrine before using force.
Dr. Adam Lowther is the host of NucleCast, the official podcast of the ANWA Deterrence Center, and Vice President for Research at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. Previously, Dr. Lowther served as the Director of Strategic Deterrence Programs at the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska, U.S. Strategic Command's University Affiliated Research Center. Prior to joining NSRI, Dr. Lowther served as the first director of the department of multi-domain operations (MDO) at the Army Management Staff College (AMSC), was a professor at the U.S. Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies, founding director of the School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies, Kirtland AFB and director of the Center for Academic and Professional Journals at the Air Force Research Institute (AFRI), Maxwell AFB.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:31 Current State of American Nuclear Deterrent
05:09 The Changing Geopolitical Landscape
12:14 Introducing Dynamic Parity
20:20 Importance of Transparency and Clear Communication
22:44 Recommendations for a Stronger Nuclear Deterrent
28:39 Three Wishes for the Topic
32:06 Conclusion
https://thinkdeterrence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Dynamic-Parity-Report.pdf
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