The NIDS View

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 disc...

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 p...

In 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/ Lik...

In 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...

In 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...

Curtis 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. Articl...

What 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"...

In 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 pur...

In 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 s...

In 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 threa...

In 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...

In 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...

In 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 i...

In 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...

In 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 n...

Jim 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, contrastin...

In 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 acr...

This 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, strat...

In 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 securi...

Curtis and Jim examine the recent Trump administration revelation about alleged nuclear weapons testing by China and assess the strategic implications of the pronouncement and the testing for global deterrence and stability. They unpack the evolution of China’s nuclear program and explain why understanding that history is essential to assessing its ambitions today. The discussion highlights the cr...

Jim and Curtis welcome Senior Fellow, Christopher Stone, to examine Greenland’s growing strategic importance in U.S. Golden Dome missile defense and deterrence. They unpack common misconceptions about Greenland’s role, discuss sovereignty and self‑determination issues, and explore how emerging threats—such as hypersonic weapons and Arctic militarization—are reshaping deterrence, space policy, and...

Jim sits down with Dr. Joe Bozeman for an in‑depth conversation on the complex realities behind the rapid growth of electric vehicles. Together, they unpack the lesser‑seen side of the EV revolution—especially the challenges and consequences of lithium mining, the backbone of modern battery technology. Their discussion explores the environmental, human, and geopolitical impacts of the global scram...

In this January 2026 News Round Up, Jim and Curtis break down several news articles affecting U.S. deterrence. This month was the Trump administration’s National Defense Strategy, and why the Doomsday Clock continues to draw closer to midnight. They discuss Congressional engagement on the looming New START expiration and the need for modernized arms control approaches. They emphasize first princip...

In this episode of The NIDS View, Jim and Curtis are joined by NIDS Senior Fellow Rob Maness to examine the changing global security landscape, from China’s expanding ambitions to Greenland’s strategic importance and growing challenges to U.S. sovereignty. The discussion highlights why “peace through strength” remains essential, how domestic vulnerabilities shape America’s global posture, and why...

In this episode of The NIDS View, Jim and Curtis dive into one of the most consequential questions facing national security today: How will artificial intelligence reshape deterrence? From enhanced decision-making to the potential for miscalculation, they break down the dual-edged nature of AI as both a strategic asset and a source of new risks. The conversation explores how AI could amplify geopo...