Horns of a dilemma

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Spring 2026

Cold War History | Deterrence | Grand Strategy | History | Nuclear Strategy | Podcast

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Understanding Schelling’s Nuclear Paradigms with Francis J. Gavin

Cold War History | Deterrence | Grand Strategy | History | Nuclear Strategy | Podcast April 01, 2026

Francis J. Gavin, Sheena Chestnut Greitens, Ryan Vest

Francis J. Gavin explains why Thomas Schelling remains foundational to nuclear strategy despite being an economist, and argues that “strategic stability” is often invoked without clear definition. He highlights tensions between mutual vulnerability and US extended deterrence and nonproliferation goals, and describes contradictions between Schelling’s writings on arms control and coercion.

The Roundtable essay discussed is “Strategic Stability and Its Limits: Reflections on Schelling.”

YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts · Amazon Music

Hosts: Sheena Chestnut Greitens and Ryan Vest

Producer: Jordan Morning

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