Episode Notes:

Jay Tilden's article "Contriving Imaginary Gaps in Nuclear Deterrence" expressed concern about open discussion of a deterrence gap related to Chinese and Russian possession of theater-range nuclear weapons. Kerry talks with Jay about the deterrence gap argument and whether the United States should similarly respond with its own low-yield nuclear weapons. Their conversation covers the institutional challenges of thinking outside the box on nuclear policy, how to balance the need for open debate with the need for secrecy, the importance of understanding your adversary's perspective, and how to manage generational change in the nuclear policy field. Jay also responds to a rebuttal by Paul Amato.

Image: Andrew Talle via Wikimedia Commons