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Susan Johnston's avatar

We seem to be severely constrained by the reality of Putin's nuclear arsenal.

Mr. Cohen, my question is whether that is the reality. We have seen the vaunted Russian army flummoxed by failed leadership, faulty tactical models, outdated, cheap equipment and useless technological innovations. Are we sure or can we be better informed as to the technical capability of their nuclear threat?

I keep thinking back to the nuclear sub that imploded and how they not only didn't want help, they weren't able to save the sailors on board. Their culture since 1915 has been founded on fakery and illusion, telling the boss what he wanted to hear.

Not suggesting we test it but imagine the strategy if we knew they were 'disarmed.'

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heybige's avatar

Good question. Also, a corollary Q: I've read some about the nuclear chain of command (it's obviously not a "red button"). What is our understanding of the willingness of that nuclear chain of command to actually execute a launch order, knowing it could be a planet-level extinction event? What is the likelihood of back-channel communication (even now) or HUMINT inside the Kremlin?

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Susan Johnston's avatar

Well said. All good questions.

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Charles St-Onge's avatar

I second that question.

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