How To Start a Nuclear War
Summary
Host Ben Bradford explores the risk of nuclear Armageddon, detailing historical close calls like the 1962 Soviet submarine incident. He interviews experts Seth Baum and Sharon Weiner on how misunderstandings or desperation could trigger war and how escalation logic leads to global catastrophe. The episode proposes solutions, including improving presidential decision-making processes and advocating for nuclear disarmament to prevent an "embarrassing" end to humanity.
Topics discussed
The Cuban Missile Crisis submarine incident
Introduction to Are We Doomed? podcast
Interview with Seth on global catastrophic risks
Two paths to nuclear war: Oopsie and Screw It
The 1995 Norwegian rocket false alarm
Intentional escalation and the screw it scenario
Sponsors: Strawberry and Betterment
Recap and introduction of Sharon Weiner
Sharon Weiner on nuclear escalation dynamics
The irony of deterrence and accidental war
VR simulation of presidential nuclear decision-making
Three fixes to prevent panic launching
Debating the necessity of nuclear deterrence
The Doomsday Clock and long-term existential risks
Preview of future episodes and credits
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