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.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
184 - The Evolution of the B-1 Bomber: A Strategic Perspective with Ken Katz
1w ago00:42:03Tap to summarizeJim 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
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183 - Resolve, NATO, and Emerging Technology: News in Review – June 2026
2w ago00:45:22Tap to summarizeIn 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
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182 - Dark Eagle and the Future of Hypersonic Deterrence
3w ago00:44:48Tap to summarizeIn 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
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181 - The Future of U.S. Bombers: B‑21 Raider and Strategic Deterrence
4w ago00:42:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jim and Curtis examine the strategic role of the U.S. bomber fleet, focusing on the B‑21 Raider and other ongoing bomber modernization. They discuss how bombers support nuclear deterrence, enable flexible strategic signaling, and remain a critical part of the nuclear triad’s future thanks to their successful conventional use over the skies of Iran. 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/
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180 - Can Europe Go Nuclear? Five Strategic Paths Forward
Jun 1700:43:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The NIDS View, Jim sits down with Bill Murphy, Senior Fellow and Cofounder at NIDS, to examine Europe’s evolving approach to nuclear deterrence in an increasingly complex and multipolar threat environment. As Russia’s nuclear posture grows more assertive and China’s influence expands, the conversation explores how European leaders are reassessing their reliance on U.S. extended deterrence. Petrosky and Murphy break down five key options Europe is considering—from strengthening NATO nuclear sharing to pursuing greater strategic autonomy—and analyze the risks, trade-offs, and implications for transatlantic security. They also address challenges related to command and control, non-proliferation, and the credibility of U.S. commitments. 🔔 Subscribe for more expert discussions on deterrence and global security ▶️ Watch now to understand Europe’s nuclear future and what it means for NATO https://securityconference.org/en/publications/special-editions/mind-the-deterrence-gap/ www.ThinkDeterrence.com
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179 - Decoding China’s Octagonal Missile Bases: Strategy, Signaling, and Scale
Jun 1000:46:28Tap to summarizeIn 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/
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178 - May 2026 Deterrence News in Review: Strategic Signals and Nuclear Realities
Jun 300:44:47Tap to summarizeCurtis 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/
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177 - The Future of NATO: Stay CALM or Carry On?
May 2700:47:02Tap to summarizeWhat 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/
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176 - Turkey’s ICBM Ambitions: A New Strategic Reality?
May 2000:43:27Tap to summarizeIn 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/
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175 - Deterrence in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
May 1300:35:11Tap to summarizeIn 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/
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