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?
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?
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?
Well said. All good questions.