NucleCast

In this episode of NucleCast, Hunter Hustus joins the conversation to examine the changing security environment in Europe and what it means for NATO deterrence. From the strategic importance of Gotland and the addition of Sweden and Finland to NATO, to the relationship between conventional forces and nuclear deterrence, Hustus explores what makes deterrence credible in an increasingly complex security environment.
The discussion also considers the value of a sustained U.S. presence in Europe, survivability and dispersal of forces, deterrence by denial, and the importance of continually stress-testing assumptions through exercises, gaming, and training. At the heart of the conversation is a critical question: How can NATO strengthen conventional defense while maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent and reducing the risk of escalation?
Key Topics:
European security and NATO's strategic posture
The importance of Gotland in NATO defense
Deterrence credibility and observable actions
The interaction between conventional and nuclear forces
The impact of Sweden and Finland joining NATO
Deterrence by denial and force posture
The importance of steady state US forces in Europe
Stress testing deterrence assumptions
Nuclear force structure and credibility
Decision calculus of adversaries
Dr. Hunter Hustus served more than 34 years with the U.S. Air Force as both an active-duty officer and civilian, specializing in nuclear deterrence strategy, policy, and strategic communications. A retired B-52 electronic warfare officer, he also served in NATO and later advised U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa on foreign policy and congressional affairs. He holds a Doctorate in Law and Policy from Northeastern University and currently resides on Gotland, Sweden.
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In this episode of NucleCast, Professor Emeritus John Copper examines the complex relationship among the United States, China, and Taiwan and the factors that could shape the future of cross-Strait relations. The conversation explores the risk of conflict over Taiwan, the role of nuclear and other advanced weapons, and how artificial intelligence may influence future warfare and diplomacy.
Copper also discusses Taiwan’s strategic importance to U.S. interests, its critical role in global semiconductor production, and the political and electoral dynamics shaping the island’s future. From China's military posture and Taiwan's defense to questions of independence, identity, economic ties, and the possibility of peaceful resolution, the episode provides a wide-ranging look at one of the most important geopolitical challenges facing the international community.
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The Arctic is no longer a remote blank spot on the map - it is a frontline for missile defense, undersea warfare, and the future of U.S. national security. Bryan Clark reveals why America’s current posture leaves the “back door” exposed, and what it would actually take to see, move, and respond in the high north before a crisis hits.
Host, Adam and Bryan Clark break down the Arctic as a seabed-to-space battlespace, from aging radar sites in Greenland and Alaska to the growing threat of unmanned surface and undersea vehicles that can slip past today’s surveillance. Bryan explains why Russia’s Arctic advantage is bigger than most Americans realize, how Svalbard, the GIUK gap, and polar satellite links fit into the picture, and why low-flying drones and cruise missiles could be far harder to detect than the bomber and ICBM threats the U.S. still plans around.
You'll discover why Alaska becomes even more critical if Golden Dome moves forward, how Russia’s nuclear icebreakers and floating nuclear power plants support its Arctic dominance, and why U.S. and allied infrastructure is still too thin to keep pace. Bryan also lays out the practical fixes - from long-endurance unmanned aircraft to proliferated LEO satellites and new icebreakers - that could turn the Arctic from a vulnerability into a defended domain.
He also addresses China’s “near Arctic nation” ambitions too, including the commercial motive behind resource extraction, fishing, and shipping access, and the strategic logic behind wanting a stake in the region’s future. If you care about homeland defense, strategic competition, or the next major pressure point between the U.S., Russia, and China, this conversation shows exactly why the Arctic cannot stay an afterthought.
Bryan Clark
Bryan Clark is a senior fellow and Director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at Hudson Institute. He leads studies there in naval operations and fleet architecture, electronic warfare, autonomous systems, military competitions, 5G telecommunications, and command and control.
Before joining Hudson Institute, Bryan was a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA), and special assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations and director of his Commander’s Action Group. During his 25-year Navy career, Bryan was an enlisted and officer submariner.
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What does it take to build and sustain the industrial foundation behind America's national defense?
In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther sits down with Cullen Glass, CEO of Strong Chain LLC, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. defense industrial base. From workforce shortages in shipbuilding and submarine production to supply chain vulnerabilities and critical material shortages, Cullen explains why strengthening America's manufacturing capacity is essential to maintaining effective deterrence.
The conversation explores the vital role small businesses play in defense manufacturing, how artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping the industry, and what government programs are available to help suppliers compete and grow. Cullen also shares practical advice for navigating cybersecurity requirements, working with prime contractors, and positioning companies for long-term success in the defense sector.
Key Takeaways:
Why workforce development is the defense industrial base's biggest challenge
How supply chain resilience supports national security
The growing importance of small businesses in defense manufacturing
The impact of AI and automation on future defense jobs
Strategies for succeeding as a defense supplier in a competitive market
Cullen Glass founded Strong Chain to strengthen the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, drawing on more than 28 years across defense, manufacturing, logistics, and global supply chains. He previously served as Vice President of Supply Chain Management at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, leading more than 1,200 professionals and managing $7B+ in supply chain spend for advanced naval programs. His career also includes nearly two decades at Honeywell in senior supply chain, operations, and IT manufacturing leadership roles.
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In this episode of NucleCast, Manolis sits down with Amir Vexler, CEO of Centrus Energy, to discuss one of the most critical challenges facing America's nuclear future: rebuilding domestic uranium enrichment capacity.
Vexler explores Centrus Energy's unique heritage, its successful deployment of American centrifuge technology, and the importance of maintaining unobligated enrichment capabilities to support both commercial nuclear energy and national security requirements. The conversation examines the global imbalance in uranium enrichment, the risks of dependence on foreign state-owned enterprises, and the steps being taken to strengthen the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle.
The discussion also covers workforce development, infrastructure modernization, public-private partnerships, and the growing market for high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). As demand for reliable, carbon-free energy continues to grow, Vexler explains why a resilient domestic nuclear fuel supply chain is essential to America's economic prosperity, energy security, and strategic competitiveness.
Whether you're interested in nuclear energy, national security, or the future of U.S. industrial capabilities, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most important sectors underpinning America's future.
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