4 Comments
User's avatar
⭠ Return to thread
Peaceful Dave's avatar

I could write something long and at risk of being classified, so I won't. I'll just say that all those low yield nukes exist because of the idea of proportional response.

Massive use of the big ones would result in a pyrrhic victory at best. Someday, someone is going to gamble that limited use will will not go there and response will be proportional and limited.

Very dangerous for the reason you gave. But when clowns are kings the palace becomes a circus. Disheartening indeed.

Expand full comment
Chris Fox's avatar

Ever read that short story by Norman Spinrad, "The Big Flash?"

Almost every time in my life other than a thunderstorm when I've seen a distant flash I have wondered if it's starting.

Expand full comment
Peaceful Dave's avatar

I haven't read it. I think that when that day comes, for most there will be no flash. They will wonder why there is no power on such a nice day.

https://nuclearsecrecy.com/nukemap/

Expand full comment
Chris Fox's avatar

Yeah my father was a naval architect and confided in me about one project he worked on in the mid 60s, a sub repair whose cofferdam he designed, which I had to swear never to reveal. It had minor potential to kick off WWIII.

Expand full comment