The NIDS View

Hosted by The National Institute for Deterrence Studies

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179

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Jun 2026

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The NIDS View is meant to give listeners inside access to the thoughts and ideas of the member-practitioners of NIDS including our Fellows, Analysts, and Interns. For each episode we pick a current deterrence topic and have a cordial, exciting and sometimes funny discussion. Each episode is a stand-alone topical and is expected to increase awareness of deterrence thinking, expand the next generation of deterrence professionals, and prepare the workforce whose mission is to ensure peace, security, and stability.

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June 10, 202646 min

179 - Decoding China’s Octagonal Missile Bases: Strategy, Signaling, and Scale

In this episode of The NIDS View, Jim returns to join Curtis as they explore China’s ongoing nuclear buildup, including newly identified octagonal facilities and 80 launch pads near the Hami missile fields. The conversation explores what these developments reveal about Beijing’s strategic intentions, including the concept of dynamic parity and the role of ambiguity in deterrence. The hosts unpack the unique octagonal design of China’s missile bases, discussing possible engineering rationales, command-and-control considerations, and the implications of modular construction. They also assess how China’s expanding infrastructure could impact nuclear stability, missile defense planning, and target distribution in future conflicts. https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

June 3, 202644 min

178 - May 2026 Deterrence News in Review: Strategic Signals and Nuclear Realities

Curtis and Kirk Fansher provide a May 2026 deterrence news roundup on developments shaping strategic stability. They discuss Russia's nuclear exercises in Belarus, its successful SARMAT ICBM test, and its third ORESHNIK missile attack on Kyiv. They also explore NATO's evolving deterrence and how countries use drills, modernization, and dual-use attacks to send signals and manage escalation.Articles:https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/05/19/nuclear-war-exercises-begin/7881779178972/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-test-launch-missile-satan-ii-calls-putin-worlds-most-powerful/https://militarnyi.com/en/news/russia-two-oreshnik-missiles-first-donetsk/https://thinkdeterrence.com/Like and follow us –The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xmlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrenceX.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrenceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQRumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrenceGlobal Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

May 27, 202647 min

177 - The Future of NATO: Stay CALM or Carry On?

What does the future of NATO look like in an era of evolving threats and shifting alliances?In this episode, NIDS Senior Fellow, Kirk Fansher joins Curtis to review and assess Hans Petter Midttun's proposed CALM (Coalition of Like Minds) concept to bolster Euro-deterrence and NATO credibility. Arguing that "NATO no longer guarantees Europe's security," CALM seeks to bring the more "enthusiastic" allies (and Ukraine) into a more credible and formidable group that would be relieved of NATO politics and independent of American support. The conversation explores how nuclear deterrence continues to underpin NATO’s stability, while raising critical questions about alliance cohesion, U.S. leadership, and Europe’s path toward greater strategic autonomy. As the war in Ukraine reshapes the security environment, this episode offers a timely and insightful look at how NATO must adapt to remain credible, unified, and effective in deterring future threats.https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/22/the-alternative-to-nato-a-coalition-of-like-minded-european-countries/ https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/05/04/nato-is-dead-meet-calm/https://thinkdeterrence.com/ like and follow us –The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xmlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrenceX.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrenceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQRumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrenceGlobal Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

May 20, 202643 min

176 - Turkey’s ICBM Ambitions: A New Strategic Reality?

In this episode of The NIDS View, guest host Kirk Fansher joins Curtis for a timely discussion on Turkey’s emerging intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capability and what it signals for future regional and global security. As Turkey advances its missile and space programs, our experts examine the broader strategic implications—including potential reach, deterrence dynamics, and Ankara’s pursuit of greater strategic autonomy. They also explore the potential impact on NATO, regional stability, and future missile proliferation risks. https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

May 13, 202635 min

175 - Deterrence in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

In this episode of The NIDS View, Jim and Curtis celebrate May 4th and Star Wars Day by exploring the strategic parallels between Star Wars and real‑world debates over deterrence, space warfare, and global security. From the Death Star as a symbol of coercive deterrence to Cold War–era missile defense and the militarization of space, the conversation unpacks how science fiction both reflects—and shapes—strategic thinking. The discussion traces the historical roots of space and missile defense in the 1970s, examines how popular culture influences military imagination and technology, and draws connections between the Star Wars universe and today’s geopolitical competition. Along the way, the episode highlights enduring questions of vulnerability, survivability, and signaling in deterrence strategy—and why space remains both a contested domain and a potential arena for cooperation. https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Like and follow us –The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xmlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

May 6, 202644 min

174 - “Hope Is Not a Strategy”: Facing the Reality of the Iran Conflict

In this episode of The NIDS View, Curtis welcomes Jim Klingmeyer, a former Air Force intelligence officer with extensive Middle East experience, to share his assessment of the Iran conflict and its wide-reaching strategic effects. Using decades of regional insight, Klingmeyer explains the historical roots of U.S.–Iran hostility, Iran’s regional ambitions, and the changing nuclear and missile threats shaping today’s security landscape. The conversation also covers Iran’s military strategy and the limits of U.S. political will and military options. From the War Powers Act and deterrence credibility to economic effects such as oil prices and global stability, this episode provides a clear assessment of risk, resolve, and realism in U.S. foreign policy. Jim Klingmeyer is an innovative leader with 30 years of experience in active-duty military, private sector, and NGO spaces. Founder and CEO of the Lafayette Group.org. He conducts tailored Hostage Recovery, Humanitarian Relief, and security consulting for corporations, NGO, and Non-Profit organizations operating throughout the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Like and follow us –The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xmlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

April 28, 202644 min

173 - April 2026 News in Review: Golden Dome, Missing Scientists, and the Risks Ahead

In this episode of The NIDS View, Jim and Curtis break down their favorite news articles shaping deterrence, national security, and defense innovation. From the troubling disappearance of U.S. research scientists to debates surrounding the Golden Dome missile defense system, the discussion connects current headlines to enduring questions of strategic stability and deterrence credibility. The hosts also examine energy security and its implications for global risk—particularly in the context of the Strait of Hormuz, missile stockpile depletion, and growing concerns about military readiness. The episode concludes with a timely look at nuclear modernization, the possibility of renewed underground nuclear testing, and what today’s developments signal for deterrence in a rapidly changing technological and geopolitical environment. Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts NIDS Podcast Network - National Institute for Deterrence Studies Like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

April 22, 202636 min

172 - Inside the HEART Conference: Nuclear Effects and Strategic Deterrence

In this episode, Jim and Curtis reflect on key takeaways from the HEART Conference—Hardened Electronics and Radiation Technology—a leading forum on nuclear weapon effects, radiation‑hardened technologies, and military system resilience.They discuss why understanding nuclear effects remains central to credible deterrence, the growing complexity of modern systems, and the critical role of rigorous testing and collaboration across science, policy, and industry. The conversation highlights how advances in radiation‑hardened technologies strengthen national security and why forums like HEART are essential for bridging innovation, policy, and operational reality.Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts NIDS Podcast Network - National Institute for Deterrence Studies Like and follow us –The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xmlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

April 15, 202641 min

171- Redefining Deterrence: Air Power, Drones, and Missile Defense in the Indo‑Pacific

In this episode of The NIDS View, Dr. Carl Rhodes joins Jim to examine how recent operations in Iran, advances in air power and missile defense, and the rapid evolution of drone technology are reshaping modern warfare and deterrence—particularly in the Indo‑Pacific.Carl unpacks how precision strike capabilities, layered missile defenses, and unmanned systems are altering escalation dynamics and influencing deterrence strategies vis‑à‑vis China and other regional actors. Drawing on frameworks such as the Escalation Ladder and Deterrence by Denial, the conversation explores how military power, economic coercion, and integrated effects increasingly define competition below and above the threshold of conflict.Key themes include the implications of recent military operations in the Middle East, the growing sophistication of Chinese air and missile defenses, and what these trends mean for U.S. allies—particularly Australia—as they enhance regional security cooperation through joint exercises and capability development.Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts NIDS Podcast Network - National Institute for Deterrence Studies Like and follow us –The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xmlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

April 8, 202643 min

170 - Drones Over the Fence: Securing America's Nuclear Deterrent from Surveillance or Sabotage

In this episode, Jim and Curtis break down the rising threat of unauthorized drone activity near U.S. military bases—spotlighting recent incidents at Barksdale Air Force Base. As drone technology and access rapidly evolve, new vulnerabilities are emerging across critical defense infrastructure. They explore how drones enable persistent surveillance, reconnaissance, and even potential weaponization—and what that means for America's nuclear deterrence credibility and national security. The conversation also dives into current policies, legislative efforts, and the latest counter-drone technologies, highlighting the need for layered defenses and stronger coordination across federal and state agencies. Looking ahead, the hosts examine future challenges—from kinetic damage to EMP-related defenses—and make the case for the importance of public awareness and interagency cooperation in protecting U.S. installations. Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts NIDS Podcast Network - National Institute for Deterrence Studies Like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/