Radiolab
Nukes
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Engagement in science and astronomy can lead to exciting participatory experiences, such as naming a quasimoon.
- The power of the U.S. President over nuclear weapons raises significant questions about governance and accountability.
- Harold Herring's story illustrates the dangers of questioning authority within a military context, especially regarding ethical responsibilities.
- The evolution of nuclear command reveals ongoing tensions between military protocol and democratic checks and balances.
- Proposals for legal changes emphasize the need for more oversight in nuclear decision-making to ensure accountability.
Summary
Introducing the Quasimoons Competition
Soren, the executive editor of ReadyLab, kicks off the episode by celebrating a unique achievement: the naming of a quasimoon, a celestial body that orbits Earth. The audience is invited to visit radialab.org/moon to discover the chosen name.
Political Reflections: A Shift in Power
Radio Lab host, filling in due to an absence, reflects on the recent inauguration of a new president in the United States. This segues into a re-airing of a significant episode from the Trump presidency that focuses on presidential powers, particularly the use of nuclear weapons.
Harold Herring's Question: A Dangerous Inquiry
The episode transitions into the story of Harold Herring, a former military officer who, during his missile launch training, raised a crucial question regarding the checks and balances on the use of nuclear weapons. He sought clarification on the safety nets in place to prevent unlawful orders from the president.
The Complexity of Nuclear Command and Control
Exploring the intricate history of nuclear command in the U.S., the episode discusses the evolution of power from Truman to present presidents, focusing on the implications of the president's unilateral authority over nuclear weapons. It reveals the tension between military protocol and political oversight.
Consequences of Inquiry: Harold's Career Disruption
Despite his reasonable request for clarity, Harold faced severe backlash from military superiors, leading to his forced retirement. The episode examines the broader implications of his experience, including the systemic issues within the military regarding questioning authority.
Systemic Challenges and Proposals for Change
The discussion weaves in perspectives from former officials and historians about the necessity for checks and balances within the nuclear command structure. Proposals for legislative changes are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of preventing unilateral decisions that could lead to catastrophic outcomes.
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Show notes
In an episode first reported in 2017, we bring you a look up and down the US nuclear chain of command to find out who gets to authorize their use and who can stand in the way of Armageddon.
President Richard Nixon once boasted that at any moment he could pick up a telephone and - in 20 minutes - kill 60 million people. Such is the power of the US President over the nation’s nuclear arsenal. But what if you were the military officer on the receiving end of that phone call? Could you refuse the order?
In this episode, we profile one Air Force Major who asked that question back in the 1970s and learn how the very act of asking it was so dangerous it derailed his career. We also pick up the question ourselves and pose it to veterans both high and low on the nuclear chain of command. Their responses reveal once and for all whether there are any legal checks and balances between us and a phone call for Armageddon.
Special thanks to Elaine Scarry, Sam Kean, Ron Rosenbaum, Lisa Perry, Ryan Furtkamp, Robin Perry, Thom Woodroofe, Doreen de Brum, Jackie Conley, Sean Malloy, Ray Peter, Jack D’Annibale, Ryan Pettigrew at the Nixon Presidential Library and Samuel Rushay at the Truman Presidential Library.
EPISODE CREDITS:
Reported by - Latiff Nasser
Produced by - Annie McEwen and Simon Adler
with help from - Arianne Wack
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