Podcast
The NIDS View
Hosted by The National Institute for Deterrence Studies · EN
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.
15episodes
Episodes
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174 - “Hope Is Not a Strategy”: Facing the Reality of the Iran Conflict
1w ago00:44:49Tap to summarizeIn 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/
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173 - April 2026 News in Review: Golden Dome, Missing Scientists, and the Risks Ahead
3w ago00:44:02Tap to summarizeIn 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/
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172 - Inside the HEART Conference: Nuclear Effects and Strategic Deterrence
3w ago00:36:28Tap to summarizeIn 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/
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171- Redefining Deterrence: Air Power, Drones, and Missile Defense in the Indo‑Pacific
Apr 1500:41:08Tap to summarizeIn 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/
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170 - Drones Over the Fence: Securing America's Nuclear Deterrent from Surveillance or Sabotage
Apr 800:43:22Tap to summarizeIn 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/
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169 - Missiles, Energy, and Deterrence: March 2026 News in Review
Apr 100:46:18Tap to summarizeIn this March 2026 News in Review episode, Jim and Curtis analyze their favorite deterrence‑related developments and headlines shaping the global security environment over the past month. Drawing on a range of recent articles and policy announcements, the conversation examines evolving deterrence strategies, advances in missile technology, and the growing intersection between energy security and national defense. Topics include Iran’s expanding missile range and implications for Europe, North Korea’s continued testing of nuclear‑capable systems, NATO dynamics—including Finland’s nuclear posture—and the Department of Energy’s newly released five‑year energy security plan. The hosts emphasized how resilience, credibility, and trust, remain essential to maintaining stability in an increasingly contested world. Episode Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to deterrence and current events01:07 – Iran’s missile capabilities and European response06:23 – Understanding threats: capability and intent11:37 – Energy security as a national security concern16:10 – Deterrence strategies: cost, denial, and resilience19:10 – North Korea’s military developments and global implications21:35 – North Korea’s missile capabilities30:00 – The future of energy resilience and microgrids38:47 – Finland’s nuclear policy and NATO dynamics40:14 – Radiation effects and impacts on electronicsGet 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 StudiesLike 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/
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168 - Decoding the 2026 U.S. Threat Assessment: Nuclear, Missile, and Space Risks
Mar 2500:45:22Tap to summarizeJim and Curtis break down the U.S. Intelligence Community’s 2026 Annual Threat Assessment, examining what it reveals about today’s most pressing security challenges. The discussion explores nuclear deterrence, missile proliferation, space‑based threats, and escalating geopolitical risks—from China and Taiwan to Iran, Russia, and the Arctic. The conversation dives into deterrence theory, contrasting punishment versus denial, and assesses how emerging technologies—anti‑satellite weapons, space‑based nuclear risks, and expanding missile arsenals—are reshaping strategic stability. This episode offers a clear-eyed look at how global threats are evolving and what they mean for deterrence strategy in an increasingly contested security environment.ATA-2026-unclassified-16-Mar-FINAL.pdfGet 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 StudiesLike 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/
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167 - Iran’s Nuclear Threshold and the 2026 Air War
Mar 1800:48:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The NIDS View, Jim and Curtis examine Iran’s nuclear ambitions against the backdrop of the 2026 air war and a rapidly shifting deterrence environment. The conversation unpacks Iran’s status as a nuclear threshold state, the realities of enrichment and breakout potential, and how deterrence—rooted in capability and credibility—shapes decision‑making in Washington, Tehran, and across the region.Drawing on real‑world developments, they explore the risks of nuclear proliferation, the logic and limits of preemptive strikes, and whether preemption can function as a deterrence‑adjacent strategy without undermining strategic stability. 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/
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166 - Macron’s New Nuclear Calculus: France's Strategy to Replace America's Nuclear Umbrella
Mar 1100:44:15Tap to summarizeThis week on The NIDS View, Curtis and Jim examine Macron’s recent shift in nuclear strategy, including signals of an expanded arsenal and the potential forward deployment of nuclear forces to European allies. This episode explores what these moves by France mean for NATO and European security, as well as the future of global arms control. The discussion unpacks French political motivations, strategic objectives under President Macron, and the on nuclear proliferation. As Europe reassesses deterrence in a changing security environment, this episode offers timely insight into how France’s choices could reshape regional and global stability. 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/
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165 - Deterrence Under Pressure: Nuclear Risk, War, and Energy Security
Mar 400:43:34Tap to summarizeIn this February 2026 News Roundup, hosts Jim and Curtis examine key developments shaping modern deterrence this month—from nuclear bomber acquisition and the end of the New START treaty to the 4th anniversary of war in Ukraine. The discussion also highlights the critical role of energy security, logistics, and resilience in sustaining credible deterrence amid an increasingly complex global security environment.Key Takeaways:Military modernization remains central to effective deterrenceThe end of New START raises new nuclear stability challengesEnergy security and logistics are critical to national defenseUkraine underscores both the human cost of war and the need for deterrenceArticles: What Lies Ahead for Nuclear Technology and Security in 2026(10) Energy as Strategy: The 2026 National Defense Strategy and U.S. Energy Security | LinkedInAir Force Announces B-21 Production Deal, 2027 Entry into ServiceAs war enters fifth year, Ukraine shows Russian victory is anything but inevitableAfter 4 years of fighting in Ukraine, a stalemate on the battlefield and the negotiation tables | W…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/
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