me_irl

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me_irl (lemmy.today)

submitted 2 days ago by sanitation@lemmy.today to c/me_irl@lemmy.world

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[–] mkwt@lemmy.world 32 points 2 days ago (1 children)

In the world of nuclear weapons, there's a big difference between "I have nuclear weapons," and "I will be able to get nuclear weapons soon."

[–] merc@sh.itjust.works 6 points 2 days ago

Also a big difference between "I might have one or two nuclear weapons, but I don't have any way to get them anywhere that might threaten you" (i.e. North Korea) and "I am a former nuclear superpower and have probably accidentally lost more nuclear weapons than most countries have ever developed, oh, and I have ICBMs, MLRS systems, submarines designed to launch ICBMs, etc." (i.e. Russia).

There's a lot of doubt whether Russia could actually launch an ICBM and have it hit the US. Even at the peak of the cold war there was some doubt. But, now, decades later, the corruption and neglect might mean they are no longer capable. Still, even if there's a 1% chance they could launch a nuclear-tipped ICBM that has to be part of your calculation.