NucleCast

As the global security environment grows more complex, how can the United States maintain a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent without returning to nuclear testing? In this episode of NucleCast, Manolis sits down with Don Cook, former Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), to discuss the evolving challenges facing the U.S. nuclear weapons enterprise.
Drawing on decades of experience, Cook examines how the strategic assumptions that shaped nuclear policy in the early 2010s have been upended by renewed great power competition, Russia's aggression, and China's military modernization. He explains the critical role of the Stockpile Stewardship Program, the remarkable advances in simulation and modeling technologies, and how scientists continue to certify the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile without explosive testing.
The conversation also explores the importance of legacy underground test data, the challenges of pit production, aging infrastructure, workforce development, and the investments needed to modernize the nation's nuclear enterprise for the decades ahead. Cook offers a candid assessment of where the U.S. stands today and what priorities should guide future leaders responsible for sustaining the deterrent.
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As competition in space intensifies, how can the United States deter aggression and defend its vital space assets? In this episode of NucleCast, Chris Stone explores the evolving role of deception in space warfare and its potential to transform space deterrence strategies.
Drawing on lessons from military history and current geopolitical realities, Stone examines why understanding an adversary's strategic culture and worldview is essential for effective deterrence. He discusses the growing challenges of protecting satellites, the vulnerabilities of space systems, and how innovative approaches such as decoys, fake satellites, and maneuver warfare could complicate enemy targeting and strengthen U.S. space security.
The conversation also dives into Chinese and Russian approaches to space conflict, the future of space defense operations, and why active defense and deception may become indispensable tools for maintaining strategic advantage in an increasingly contested domain.
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In this episode, Lindell Lucy shares his recent experiences traveling across Ukraine, insights on life during wartime, and explores the complex topic of nuclear deterrence and Ukraine's potential nuclear future.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:00 Lindell Lucy's Trip Across Ukraine
02:53 Lessons Learned from Ukraine Trip
04:02 Life in Ukraine During War
06:54 Ukrainian Perspectives on NATO and Support
09:01 Nuclear Deterrence Ideas and Strategies
14:51 Front Lines and Battlefield Conditions
20:07 Personal Encounters and Human Stories
24:58 Three Wishes for Ukraine's Future

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In this episode of NucleCast, host Manolis sits down with Tyler Hacker and Luke Widenhouse of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) to examine why advanced energetics remain one of the most underappreciated elements of U.S. military modernization. Drawing on historical lessons from World War II and their recent research, the discussion explores how improvements in energetic materials can dramatically enhance the performance, range, lethality, and effectiveness of modern weapon systems.
The conversation dives into the barriers that have slowed the development and fielding of next-generation energetics, the strategic consequences of continued neglect, and why even modest technological advances can deliver outsized operational impacts across multiple theaters. Tyler and Luke also discuss the growing importance of energetics for hypersonic weapons, unmanned systems, and the future of strategic deterrence.
Topics Covered:
Historical lessons from WWII and the adoption of advanced energetics
Why small improvements can produce large strategic effects
Barriers to developing and fielding new energetic materials
The role of energetics in hypersonic weapons and unmanned systems
Policy recommendations to accelerate innovation and investment
Link to report: https://csbaonline.org/resource/choosing-less-bang-for-buck-the-underutilization-of-advanced-energetics/

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Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Tom Jones shares firsthand insights from a career spanning the height of the Cold War through modern NATO nuclear operations. Drawing on decades of operational experience, he discusses the realities of nuclear deterrence, the challenges of maintaining credible readiness, and the extraordinary demands placed on aircrews tasked with executing nuclear missions under the most extreme conditions.
Lt. Gen. Jones explores the evolution of NATO’s nuclear posture, the complexity of nuclear weapon delivery, and the importance of survivability, command and control, and alliance cohesion. He also reflects on how changing political dynamics, public opinion in Europe, and renewed great-power competition have reshaped the deterrence landscape. From Cold War certainties to today’s escalating risks, he offers a candid assessment of the future of nuclear deterrence and the joint force capabilities required to sustain it.
Lt. Gen. Noel T. “Tom” Jones (USAF Ret.) retired in 2015 as Vice Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, where he helped lead more than 24,000 personnel across Europe and Africa during major events including the Benghazi attack, Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and the Ebola crisis. He also led the command’s response to sequestration-driven force reductions while maintaining mission readiness.
A 1980 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Tom served more than 35 years on active duty, commanding at the squadron, group, and wing levels, including combat leadership during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His assignments included leading the Air Force’s largest fighter wing at Luke AFB, serving as Deputy Director of the Central Security Service supporting NSA operations, helping stand up U.S. Cyber Command, directing plans for the U.S. military drawdown in Iraq, and overseeing Air Force modernization requirements at the Pentagon.
Since retiring, Tom has advised defense industry organizations through Tom Jones Consulting, served as a Highly Qualified Expert-Senior Mentor for the U.S. Air Force, and remains active in public service in Louisiana.
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