Nuclear Deterrence? The Pentagon Prefers Nuclear Buildup
The Intercept reports new Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin and former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall are pushing for a nuclear strategy that moves 'beyond deterrence' to 'prevail' in a nuclear conflict. This is not some novel idea cooked up in a sterile briefing room; it's a terrifying echo chamber. We’ve heard this tune before, back in the Cold War, where 'limited nuclear war' was
all the rage before cooler heads (briefly) prevailed. The 'experts' warn, but perhaps they forget that the military-industrial complex has always found 'new' ways to justify endless expansion. When the Pentagon says 'buildup,' history screams 'profit margin.' Lockheed Martin’s stock, for instance, jumped 8% in 2023 Q3 after increased defense spending became a sure thing. So, when generals talk
about ‘prevailing’ in nuclear war, one might suggest they’re simply prevailing at securing more taxpayer dollars for defense contractors. The definition of 'deterrence' appears to have shifted from 'don't make us use them' to 'we're building more, just in case we feel like it.'