Brian Zieroth: Building the Future: UPF's Role in National Security

The nuclear landscape is changing, and U.S. deterrence strategy must change with it. In this episode of NucleCast, Robert “Bob” Peters examines how the rise of China as a nuclear power, the continuing challenge posed by North Korea, and an increasingly complex security environment are reshaping the requirements for credible deterrence. The conversation explores whether current U.S. nuclear modernization efforts are sufficient, the need for effective deterrence in the Western Pacific, and how conventional and theater-range nuclear capabilities can work together to influence an adversary’s decision calculus. Bob also discusses the growing role of missile defense, the potential place for artificial intelligence in nuclear decision-making, and how better information can provide leaders with a decision advantage during a crisis. At the heart of the discussion is a fundamental question: What must the United States do today to ensure its deterrent remains credible in a world with multiple nuclear-armed adversaries? About Robert Peters Robert Peters is Director of the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation, where his work includes strategic stability, nuclear deterrence, missile defense, and arms control. He previously served as lead strategist at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and as a Senior Research Fellow at National Defense University’s Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction. He also served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where his work included the New START Treaty and the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]

In this episode of NucleCast, Hunter Hustus joins the conversation to examine the changing security environment in Europe and what it means for NATO deterrence. From the strategic importance of Gotland and the addition of Sweden and Finland to NATO, to the relationship between conventional forces and nuclear deterrence, Hustus explores what makes deterrence credible in an increasingly complex security environment. The discussion also considers the value of a sustained U.S. presence in Europe, survivability and dispersal of forces, deterrence by denial, and the importance of continually stress-testing assumptions through exercises, gaming, and training. At the heart of the conversation is a critical question: How can NATO strengthen conventional defense while maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent and reducing the risk of escalation? Key Topics: European security and NATO's strategic posture The importance of Gotland in NATO defense Deterrence credibility and observable actions The interaction between conventional and nuclear forces The impact of Sweden and Finland joining NATO Deterrence by denial and force posture The importance of steady state US forces in Europe Stress testing deterrence assumptions Nuclear force structure and credibility Decision calculus of adversaries Dr. Hunter Hustus served more than 34 years with the U.S. Air Force as both an active-duty officer and civilian, specializing in nuclear deterrence strategy, policy, and strategic communications. A retired B-52 electronic warfare officer, he also served in NATO and later advised U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa on foreign policy and congressional affairs. He holds a Doctorate in Law and Policy from Northeastern University and currently resides on Gotland, Sweden. Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]

In this episode of NucleCast, Professor Emeritus John Copper examines the complex relationship among the United States, China, and Taiwan and the factors that could shape the future of cross-Strait relations. The conversation explores the risk of conflict over Taiwan, the role of nuclear and other advanced weapons, and how artificial intelligence may influence future warfare and diplomacy. Copper also discusses Taiwan’s strategic importance to U.S. interests, its critical role in global semiconductor production, and the political and electoral dynamics shaping the island’s future. From China's military posture and Taiwan's defense to questions of independence, identity, economic ties, and the possibility of peaceful resolution, the episode provides a wide-ranging look at one of the most important geopolitical challenges facing the international community. Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]

The Arctic is no longer a remote blank spot on the map - it is a frontline for missile defense, undersea warfare, and the future of U.S. national security. Bryan Clark reveals why America’s current posture leaves the “back door” exposed, and what it would actually take to see, move, and respond in the high north before a crisis hits. Host, Adam and Bryan Clark break down the Arctic as a seabed-to-space battlespace, from aging radar sites in Greenland and Alaska to the growing threat of unmanned surface and undersea vehicles that can slip past today’s surveillance. Bryan explains why Russia’s Arctic advantage is bigger than most Americans realize, how Svalbard, the GIUK gap, and polar satellite links fit into the picture, and why low-flying drones and cruise missiles could be far harder to detect than the bomber and ICBM threats the U.S. still plans around. You'll discover why Alaska becomes even more critical if Golden Dome moves forward, how Russia’s nuclear icebreakers and floating nuclear power plants support its Arctic dominance, and why U.S. and allied infrastructure is still too thin to keep pace. Bryan also lays out the practical fixes - from long-endurance unmanned aircraft to proliferated LEO satellites and new icebreakers - that could turn the Arctic from a vulnerability into a defended domain. He also addresses China’s “near Arctic nation” ambitions too, including the commercial motive behind resource extraction, fishing, and shipping access, and the strategic logic behind wanting a stake in the region’s future. If you care about homeland defense, strategic competition, or the next major pressure point between the U.S., Russia, and China, this conversation shows exactly why the Arctic cannot stay an afterthought. Bryan Clark Bryan Clark is a senior fellow and Director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at Hudson Institute. He leads studies there in naval operations and fleet architecture, electronic warfare, autonomous systems, military competitions, 5G telecommunications, and command and control. Before joining Hudson Institute, Bryan was a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA), and special assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations and director of his Commander’s Action Group. During his 25-year Navy career, Bryan was an enlisted and officer submariner. Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]

What does it take to build and sustain the industrial foundation behind America's national defense? In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther sits down with Cullen Glass, CEO of Strong Chain LLC, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. defense industrial base. From workforce shortages in shipbuilding and submarine production to supply chain vulnerabilities and critical material shortages, Cullen explains why strengthening America's manufacturing capacity is essential to maintaining effective deterrence. The conversation explores the vital role small businesses play in defense manufacturing, how artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping the industry, and what government programs are available to help suppliers compete and grow. Cullen also shares practical advice for navigating cybersecurity requirements, working with prime contractors, and positioning companies for long-term success in the defense sector. Key Takeaways: Why workforce development is the defense industrial base's biggest challenge How supply chain resilience supports national security The growing importance of small businesses in defense manufacturing The impact of AI and automation on future defense jobs Strategies for succeeding as a defense supplier in a competitive market Cullen Glass founded Strong Chain to strengthen the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, drawing on more than 28 years across defense, manufacturing, logistics, and global supply chains. He previously served as Vice President of Supply Chain Management at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, leading more than 1,200 professionals and managing $7B+ in supply chain spend for advanced naval programs. His career also includes nearly two decades at Honeywell in senior supply chain, operations, and IT manufacturing leadership roles. Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]