EP29 The Handmaidens of the Apocalypse
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History: Addendum
Deep Dive
What is the main focus of Annie Jacobsen's book 'Nuclear War, A Scenario'?
Annie Jacobsen's book 'Nuclear War, A Scenario' focuses on a dramatic narrative that outlines how a nuclear war might unfold, starting one second after a nuclear weapon is launched. It uses insider and expert information to provide a realistic and horrifying scenario of the potential consequences of nuclear war.
Why did Annie Jacobsen choose to write about nuclear war?
Annie Jacobsen chose to write about nuclear war because, as an investigative journalist specializing in war, weapons, and national security, she was struck by the recurring theme in her interviews with high-level sources who dedicated their lives to preventing nuclear World War III. The nuclear saber-rattling rhetoric during the Trump administration further motivated her to explore what would happen if deterrence failed.
What is the significance of the six-minute decision-making window in a nuclear scenario?
The six-minute decision-making window is the time the U.S. president has to decide on a counterattack after being notified of an incoming nuclear missile. This short timeframe, sourced from President Reagan's memoir, highlights the irrational pressure and urgency involved in making a decision that could lead to Armageddon.
What role do submarines play in nuclear warfare according to Jacobsen's book?
Submarines, particularly nuclear-armed ones, are referred to as 'handmaidens of the apocalypse' because they are nearly impossible to detect and can launch ballistic missiles in as little as 14 minutes. Their stealth and destructive capability make them a critical and terrifying component of the nuclear triad.
What is the potential impact of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from a nuclear detonation?
An EMP from a nuclear detonation, especially one detonated in space, could cause catastrophic failure of nearly all electronic systems, including power grids, transportation, communication, and even modern vehicles. This 'electric Armageddon' would result in widespread chaos and a collapse of infrastructure.
Why did Jacobsen choose North Korea as the initiator of a nuclear attack in her scenario?
Jacobsen chose North Korea as the initiator of a nuclear attack because it is the only nuclear-armed nation that flagrantly violates international norms, such as announcing missile tests. Its unpredictable and nihilistic behavior, combined with its ability to launch missiles without warning, makes it a plausible and dangerous candidate for a 'bolt out of the blue' attack.
What is the concept of nuclear winter, and how does it relate to nuclear war?
Nuclear winter refers to the climatic effects of a nuclear war, where the soot from massive fires caused by nuclear explosions blocks sunlight, leading to a significant drop in global temperatures. This would result in the collapse of agriculture, forcing humanity into a hunter-gatherer state and causing long-term devastation to civilization.
What is the 'Reagan reversal' mentioned in the context of nuclear weapons?
The 'Reagan reversal' refers to President Ronald Reagan's shift in attitude toward nuclear weapons after watching the 1983 ABC miniseries 'The Day After,' which depicted a nuclear war. This led to the Reykjavik summit with Mikhail Gorbachev, resulting in significant reductions in nuclear arsenals from 70,000 to approximately 12,500 warheads.
What is the significance of the term 'mutual assured destruction' (MAD) in nuclear strategy?
Mutual assured destruction (MAD) is the doctrine that the possession of large nuclear arsenals by opposing powers ensures that any nuclear attack would result in the total annihilation of both the attacker and the defender. While intended to deter nuclear war, Jacobsen and others argue that it is fundamentally irrational and precarious, as it relies on the assumption that systems and humans will never fail.
What is the potential legacy loss for humanity in the event of a nuclear war?
In the event of a nuclear war, humanity would lose not only millions of lives but also its cultural, historical, and scientific legacy. Monuments, art, knowledge, and technological advancements built over millennia would be destroyed, leaving future generations without access to the achievements of human civilization.
- Nuclear weapons are an ever-present threat, capable of causing apocalyptic outcomes.
- Jacobson's book uses a dramatic narrative to illustrate the potential for a nuclear war.
- The podcast will discuss the topic in more detail with the author.
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