The NIDS View

Hosted by The National Institute for Deterrence Studies

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190

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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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60 recent

September 9, 202649 min

192 - News in Review August 2026: Missiles, Manning, Megawatts, and the Middle East

In this News in Review episode for July, Curtis and Jim examine a series of significant developments shaping the global security environment, from Russia's latest ICBM test launch to evolving geopolitical alliances in the Middle East and the growing strategic importance of energy infrastructure. The discussion explores how Russia and the United States continue to signal nuclear capabilities in an increasingly complex deterrence landscape, while also highlighting encouraging trends in U.S. military recruitment and the challenges of developing the workforce needed to sustain national defense. The conversation then shifts to China's expanding influence in the Middle East, the emergence of the proposed "Mecca Alliance," and the broader implications for regional stability and international partnerships. Our hosts take a closer look at the intersection of technology, energy, and security, examining how the rapid growth of AI-driven data centers is increasing electricity demand and creating new strategic considerations for policymakers. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of credible deterrence, alliance cohesion, and strategic stability in a world marked by intensifying competition among major powers. Whether discussing nuclear modernization, military readiness, shifting regional alignments, or the future of critical infrastructure, this episode offers timely insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping deterrence in the 21st century. https://thedefencenews.com/anduril-starts-building-cca-prototypes-in-ohio/ https://www.kyivpost.com/post/83349 https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-906537 www.thinkdeterrence.com

September 2, 202640 min

191 - The Summer of Symposiums: Deterrence Thinkers Unite

In this episode of The NIDS View, Curtis and special guest Col (Ret) Kirk Fansher discuss key insights from summer's two biggest deterrence symposiums and explore the challenges shaping today's strategic environment. From the complexities of submarine manufacturing and the limitations of the defense industrial base to the evolving role of nuclear deterrence, they examine the issues influencing U.S. national security policy. The conversation highlights the importance of deterrence by denial, innovation in military technology, acquisition reform, and maintaining a resilient nuclear triad. Curtis and Kirk also reflect on Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby's recent comments on nuclear strategy, the future of deterrence, and the critical role NATO and allied cooperation play in ensuring global stability. Whether you're interested in defense policy, modernization, or the future of strategic deterrence, this episode provides timely reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing the United States and its allies. www.thinkdeterrence.com

August 26, 202644 min

190 - Cold War Attitudes Mimic Modern NATO Perspective

What can today's NATO leaders learn from the Cold War? In this episode of The NIDS View, Curtis and Jim compare the enduring issues of deterrence, alliance cohesion, and military credibility that helped preserve peace in 1988 and 2026. The discussion explores how the USA's attitudes toward NATO's defense posture have evolved- and not evolved--to include the issues of burden sharing, which remain a central challenge for the Alliance. The conversation compares Cold War-era defense spending, force readiness, and public support for NATO with today's security environment, offering important insights into the future of European defense. As regional tensions grow and questions arise about NATO's credibility, this episode highlights that US commitments to the alliance have been questioned since its inception and the risks of strategic complacency. Frontline: The Defense of Europe (1988) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLjnT01ECO8

August 19, 202639 min

189 - China's Newest Warships: Capability or Coercion?

In this episode of The NIDS View, Curtis and Jim examine two of China's newest naval warships and what these developments reveal about Beijing's evolving military strategy and their implications for regional security and strategic stability. From next-generation destroyers and amphibious assault ships to China's pursuit of a true blue-water navy, they explore how naval modernization shapes perceptions of military power, strengthens conventional deterrence, and influences strategic risk. The discussion examines the roles of capability, signaling, and credibility in preventing conflict, while considering how advanced technologies and expanding maritime power can simultaneously reinforce deterrence and exacerbate regional security dilemmas. Curtis and Jim also discuss the strategic motivations driving China's naval expansion, the relationship between offensive and defensive capabilities, and the challenges confronting U.S. and allied policymakers in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific maritime environment. 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/

August 12, 202640 min

188 - Is America's Nuclear Umbrella Leaking?

Curtis and Jim examine the evolving landscape of allied extended deterrence, credibility, and the U.S. nuclear umbrella. As geopolitical competition intensifies and allies reassess their security gaps, they explore what it takes to preserve regional peace in a world where strategic trust can be as fragile as nuclear stability itself. For decades, U.S. extended deterrence has underpinned the security of allies across Europe and Asia, helping prevent both major war and nuclear proliferation. Today, however, shifting political priorities, emerging technologies, and evolving regional threats are testing the credibility of that longstanding commitment. Curtis offers his perspective on whether America's nuclear umbrella remains credible, what makes extended deterrence effective, and how the United States can reassure allies without encouraging nuclear proliferation. Jim examines the complex interplay of trust, sovereignty, burden-sharing, and modernization as European nations—including France and Germany—who seek greater strategic autonomy while remaining tied to NATO's collective defense. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing extended deterrence in an increasingly multipolar world. www.ThinkDeterrence.com

July 28, 202642 min

186 - Europe’s Missile Renaissance and the Future of NATO Deterrence

In this episode of The NIDS View, Curtis and Jim examine Europe's growing drive to strengthen its own deterrent capabilities amid Russia's war in Ukraine and a future NATO 3.0. They explore whether Europe is moving toward greater strategic autonomy while remaining anchored within the NATO alliance. The discussion highlights Europe's emerging missile renaissance, including the development of new long-range strike capabilities, expanded defense industrial capacity, and investments in advanced non-nuclear military technologies. The conversation further examines how U.S. military innovation—including low-cost, high-precision weapons, and long-range conventional strike capabilities—is reshaping the American character of modern warfare. As allies reassess the relationship between conventional and nuclear deterrence, the hosts explore the implications for escalation management, strategic stability, and the credibility of deterrence in an increasingly complex and contested security environment. 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/

July 22, 202643 min

185 - Understanding America’s Nuclear Arsenal: The Story Behind "Learning to Love the Bomb"

In this episode of The NIDS View, NIDS welcomes Curtis McGiffin and Dr. Adam Lowther, co-authors of Learning to Love the Bomb: Understanding the American Nuclear Arsenal, for a wide-ranging discussion on the history, science, strategy, and people behind the U.S. nuclear enterprise. Drawing on the expertise of leading deterrence professionals, they explain why a deeper understanding of America's nuclear arsenal is essential for policymakers, military leaders, and citizens alike. The conversation explores the motivations for writing the book, the operational realities of the U.S. nuclear enterprise, and the evolving strategic challenges posed by China, Russia, and North Korea. McGiffin and Lowther also discuss the role of physics and history in shaping deterrence theory, the importance of strategic stability, and how bridging technical, policy, and military perspectives can strengthen deterrence in an increasingly dangerous world. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to the Book and Its Impact 03:07 – Why Write Learning to Love the Bomb? 06:20 – Understanding the Nuclear Enterprise and Its Components 11:40 – Expert Contributions and Their Significance 15:28 – The Physics of Nuclear Weapons Explained 23:42 – Strategic Threats and the Future of Deterrence 27:51 – Recommendations and Strategic Outlook 37:30 – Reflections on the Book's Contributions and Audience Where to purchase the book: https://www.cambriapress.com/pub.cfm?bid=1207 https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Love-Bomb-Understanding-American/dp/1638573964

July 15, 202642 min

184 - The Evolution of the B-1 Bomber: A Strategic Perspective with Ken Katz

Jim and Curtis sit down with aerospace engineer Ken Katz to explore the remarkable evolution of the B-1 bomber and what it teaches us about deterrence, innovation, and adaptability. From the Cold War origins of the B-1 program to its transformation into a highly effective conventional strike platform, Katz examines the technological, political, and strategic forces that shaped one of America's most iconic aircraft. The discussion also explores the broader role of bombers in the U.S. strategic triad, the impact of stealth and radar cross-section design, and why digital systems have become essential to maintaining relevance in an ever-changing threat environment. Along the way, we revisit lessons from historic aircraft programs such as the B-70 Valkyrie and B-52 Stratofortress, discussing how decisions made decades ago continue to influence military modernization efforts today. Kenneth P. Katz was commissioned as an Air Force officer through ROTC and served on active duty as a flight test engineer at Edwards AFB, testing bombers and cruise missiles. After completing military service, he worked for the Boeing Company, flight testing the V-22 Osprey. Since then, he has worked in a variety of information technology and aerospace engineering positions, retiring from Collins Aerospace in 2025. Ken is the author of three books about military aircraft, with his most recent book being "The Supersonic BONE: A Development & Operational History of the B-1 Bomber". He is a prolific podcast host, currently doing the "Supersonic BONE" series for Authentic Media. www.thinkdeterrence.com

July 8, 202645 min

183 - Resolve, NATO, and Emerging Technology: News in Review – June 2026

In this episode of The NIDS View, Jim and Curtis analyze the June 2026 deterrence and security developments, including Sen. Deb Fischer's call for greater nuclear investment, Finland's move to repeal its nuclear ban, and B-21 shelters. They explore how allies and adversaries are adapting and emphasize the importance of national resolve, civic education, and history in credible deterrence. The discussion highlights that military power alone isn't enough; values, identity, and willingness to defend are crucial. The hosts also examine emerging technologies—AI, quantum computing, space, and drones—and their impact on military strategies, drawing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and considering future security implications. The episode links resolve, capability, and credibility as key elements of effective deterrence. Drawing lessons from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the hosts explore the implications of rapidly advancing technology for homeland security and future conflict. Whether you're interested in nuclear policy, alliance dynamics, technological innovation, or the foundations of national power, this episode connects the dots between resolve, capability, and credibility—the enduring pillars of effective deterrence. www.thinkdeterrence.com

July 1, 202644 min

182 - Dark Eagle and the Future of Hypersonic Deterrence

In this episode of The NIDS View, we examine the strategic implications of emerging hypersonic weapons, focusing on the U.S. Army’s Dark Eagle missile. Joined by missile and space warfare expert Chris Stone, the conversation explores how hypersonic capabilities are reshaping deterrence, escalation dynamics, and the future of conflict. From the engineering challenges behind these systems to their potential role in both conventional and nuclear scenarios, this discussion highlights the complex balance between capability and restraint. The episode also considers how adversaries monitor and respond to these developments, and what it all means for strategic stability in an increasingly contested security and political environment. www.ThinkDeterrence.com