Monthly Archives: August 2011

Do Nuclear Weapons Really Deter?

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Martin Hellman

In my Stanford seminar, “Nuclear Weapons, Risk and Hope,” I argue that much of the risk stems from a lack of critical thinking – accepting conventional wisdom on key points of national security even when it is wrong. Much of … Continue reading →

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Leave Nuclear Deterrence To The Experts?

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Martin Hellman

Sometimes it is claimed that we should leave nuclear matters to “those who know better” because classified information allows the experts to make better decisions. While I don’t have direct experience with classified information related to nuclear weapons, a very … Continue reading →

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Could Michele Bachmann’s Beliefs Increase Nuclear Risk?

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Martin Hellman

Yesterday’s reports that Michele Bachmann won the Iowa Republican straw poll raise a largely-overlooked, potential nuclear risk: What if a president welcomed nuclear Armageddon as part of God’s plan to bring about the Second Coming of Christ? Of course, I … Continue reading →

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Do We Believe Our Own BS?

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Martin Hellman

Yesterday’s Wall Street Journal reported what, at first, appears to be continued, blatant aggression by North Korea: South Korea returned fire twice toward North Korea Wednesday after it said artillery shells fired from the North landed on the southern side of … Continue reading →

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