4 ms·

We want to make sure people believe in the deterrent. If people start to think they could take out all of our nukes somehow that would be dangerous.

• vkou 3y ago
  It would almost be as dangerous as us building a system that we think could take out all of their nukes.
  • ctoth 3y ago
    Why do you say this? We have been in this very position before, in 1948, when we were the only people with nukes. We didn't first strike then.
    • vkou 3y ago
      The difference is that in 1948, the other side couldn't do anything about it even if it wanted to. The other difference is that literally everything has changed in the past 76 years. But sure, maybe if we dig up Truman, Stalin, Chiang Kai-shek, Mao, and Churchill, and put them and their cabinets back in charge, it might work out.