In the United States, the president has sole and unconstrained power to launch a first-strike nuclear attack at any time and, according to the law, does not need to seek advice first. While the system is built to provide the president with as much expert advice as possible, consultation is not legally required, and some experts say that such an order could be executed in a matter of minutes.

Today, we unpack the president’s sole authority to launch, and its implications for national and global security. Is it wise to invest so much power in the hands of one person? What are the alternatives? Gabrielle Sierra explores a system that has been overlooked for years, as she sits down with three nuclear security experts.

This episode was originally released by Why It Matters on March 14, 2024.

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Host

Gabrielle Sierra
Podcast Host and Director of Podcasting, CFR

Episode Guests

Paul B. Stares
General John W. Vessey Senior Fellow for Conflict Prevention and Director of the Center for Preventive Action

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