Governments have refrained from using nuclear weapons because that has been a door nobody wanted to see opened. But using even low-yield tactical nukes would move that "window of propriety" toward their use and the chances for life on earth would be a lot more grim than they already are.
Governments have refrained from using nuclear weapons because that has been a door nobody wanted to see opened. But using even low-yield tactical nukes would move that "window of propriety" toward their use and the chances for life on earth would be a lot more grim than they already are.
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.
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.
Governments have refrained from using nuclear weapons because that has been a door nobody wanted to see opened. But using even low-yield tactical nukes would move that "window of propriety" toward their use and the chances for life on earth would be a lot more grim than they already are.
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.
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.
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/
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.