Threats

Mattis: New Sea-Launched Cruise Missile Is a Bargaining Chip

But don’t call the low-yield option a ‘tactical nuclear weapon’ — it’s still strategic, he says.

Ideas

Nuclear Nuts: Trump's New Policy Hypes The Threat and Brings Us Closer to War

The Pentagon's Nuclear Posture Review only bends reality to fit Trump’s warped views.

Science & Tech

No, the US Won’t Respond to A Cyber Attack with Nukes

Defense leaders won’t completely rule out the possibility. But it’s a very, very, very remote possibility.

Threats

Pentagon Confirms It’s Developing Nuclear Cruise Missile to Counter a Similar Russian One

The new Nuclear Posture Review nods to North Korea, China, and Iran but devotes most of its time to Russian threats and U.S. deterrence.

Threats

Shrugging Toward Doomsday

Experts warn that the world is now as dangerous as it was at the height of the Cold War. Many Americans already know it.

Threats

Trump's Red Line on North Korea Gets Fuzzier

Mike Pompeo adds a few caveats to America's strategy.

Ideas

The Most Dangerous Word in the Draft Nuclear Posture Review

By insisting that future arms control agreements be “enforceable,” the Trump administration could substitute military strikes for diplomacy.

Ideas

Give the Low-Yield SLBM its Day in Court

There are advantages to lowering the yields on a portion of America's nuclear-tipped sub-launched ballistic missiles.

Threats

What A Nuclear Missile Attack On Hawaii Would Look Like

A blast over Honolulu would be catastrophic. That doesn’t mean the government shouldn’t help the public prepare for one.

Ideas

We Don't Need a Bigger Nuclear Button

The plan outlined in a draft of the Nuclear Posture Review would cost trillions of dollars — and make Americans no safer.

Science & Tech

As America’s Nukes and Sensors Get More Connected, the Risk of Cyber Attack Is Growing

Future nuclear weapons will be more sophisticated and better integrated with other equipment. That has benefits and drawbacks.

Threats

Nuclear Command Network Would See Comprehensive Upgrade Under Trump Plan

While the ICBMs, bombers, submarines and cruise missiles get lots of attention, the network connecting them also needs updating.

Ideas

Hawaii's Nuclear Wakeup Call (and Why We Should Take MLK's Advice)

The Cold War brought plenty of false alarms — but nothing like the situation we face today.

Threats

What the Hell Happened in Hawaii?

False alarms aren’t just terrifying—they’re dangerous.

Ideas

How the Olympics Could Help Defuse the North Korea Crisis

The games give Trump a chance to affirm inter-Korean diplomacy while laying the groundwork for talks with the Kim regime.

Threats

CDC To Brief the Public on Responding to a Nuclear Attack

The health agency said that such an event is unlikely, but 'planning and preparation can lessen deaths and illnesses.'

Ideas

When the War Comes, What Should We Civilians Do?

The military can’t do it all. The US needs a national civilian emergency corps, trained and ready to help in case of the next disaster, be it cyber, nuclear, or natural.

Ideas

Last Year’s Top 5 Worst Nuclear Nightmares (That Aren't Going Away)

Each of these threats has only gotten worse. Take one guess what (or who) I think remains the top nuclear threat to us...

Ideas

Improving on the Iran Deal

Today is the nominal deadline for Congress to decide what it intends to do — and then there’s Europe to woo.

Threats

North Korea’s Military Capabilities, In Review

North Korea has embarked on an accelerated buildup of weapons of mass destruction and modernization of its already large conventional force.