History shows that ambiguity about nuclear intent is destabilizing. A phrase such as “resume nuclear testing” can be interpreted in different ways: a political flourish to show resolve; an order to increase testing of nuclear-capable delivery systems; an instruction to expand simulations and subcritical experiments; or, worst of all, authorization of explosive nuclear warhead detonations.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent social media post—in which he said he had “instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis” with Russia and China—demands immediate, sober clarification from the White House. Multiple outlets have now reported the news, but the single most dangerous element is not the post itself. It is its ambiguity.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent social media post—in which he said he had “instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis” with Russia and China—demands immediate, sober clarification from the White House. Multiple outlets have now reported the news, but the single most dangerous element is not the post itself. It is its ambiguity.
History shows that ambiguity about nuclear intent is destabilizing.
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