The Nuclear Threat From Space | Bill Hennigan

The Nuclear Threat From Space | Bill Hennigan

Author: Global Dispatches May 19, 2025 Duration: 18:25
Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
NewsCommentaryPolitics

What would actually happen if a nuclear weapon were detonated in space?

This isn't just the stuff of science fiction — it's a scenario that researchers have studied closely, and the implications are deeply unsettling. From disrupting satellite a nuclear detonation in space would have immediate, global consequences — even without a single casualty on the ground.

In today's episode, we're exploring how our growing dependence on space-based infrastructure — for communications, surveillance, and national security — is changing the conventional calculus around nuclear deterrence.

How are major nuclear powers, including Russia, responding to this shifting landscape? Are we on the verge of a space-based nuclear arms race? And what can be done now to preserve space as a peaceful domain?

My guest is Bill Hennigan, author of the At the Brink series, which   We recorded this conversation live at the Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference — and it's a fascinating look into how the nuclear order may be evolving in ways that are still underappreciated.


For years, Global Dispatches--World News That Matters has carved out a unique space, going beyond the headlines to explore the forces and figures shaping our world. This isn't about rapid-fire soundbites; it's a series of substantive conversations with the people directly involved-diplomats negotiating treaties, reporters on the ground in conflict zones, and scholars analyzing long-term trends in global development and international relations. The discussions delve into the "why" behind the news, providing context that is often missing from daily reporting. Recognized by The Guardian as a podcast designed to make you smarter, it serves an audience that feels underserved by superficial summaries. Each episode is built on the premise that complex events deserve nuanced explanation. By listening, you gain access to a clearer, more informed perspective on pivotal issues, from geopolitical shifts to humanitarian crises. The podcast’s longevity as an independent program speaks to its consistent quality and dedicated following. Tune in for a deeper, more thoughtful analysis of the stories that truly matter, presented through the voices of those who know them best.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Official website RSS
Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
Podcast Episodes
Pope Leo Makes His Foreign Policy Debut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:19
The Pope is not just a religious leader—he's also a Head of State. The Holy See maintains formal diplomatic relations with most countries on Earth and holds the status of a permanent observer at the United Nations. In re…
How Science Can Build a Nuclear Free Future | Zia Mian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:23
My guest today, Zia Mian is co-director of Princeton University's Program on Science and Global Security. He's a physicist who has long studied nuclear weapons and nuclear security. In our conversation Zia Mian explains…
India and Pakistan: A Fragile Ceasefire Holds—But for How Long? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:21
On April 22, militants launched a brutal assault on a tourist site in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing 26 civilians in what became the deadliest terrorist attack in India in nearly 15 years. What followed was the most…
Can The UN Ban AI-Powered "Killer Robots" Before It's Too Late? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:29
I've been hanging around the United Nations these past few days attending events related to consultations on lethal autonomous weapons systems—so-called killer robots. These are AI-powered weapons systems that can select…
Inside the Hunt for Hidden Nuclear Weapons | Eliana Johns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:49
Eliana Johns hunts for nuclear weapons. She's a senior research associate at the Federation of American Scientists, where her team uses open-source intelligence — or OSINT — to uncover secrets about countries' nuclear ca…
In Memoriam: The Time Joseph Nye Told Me His Life Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:22
The legendary international relations scholar Joseph Nye passed away on May 7th at the age of 88. He's best known, of course, for developing and advancing the idea of "soft power"—the ability to influence others and shap…
What We Know About Trump's Nuclear Policy | Alexandra Bell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:14
In just the first four months of the Trump administration, several pillars of American foreign policy have been upended — USAID dismantled, most foreign aid frozen, and the rules-based international trade system thrown i…
When Treaties Work: The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:02
The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, better known as the CTBT, expressly prohibits its signatories from testing nuclear weapons. It was opened for signature in 1996 and is now one of the most widely adopted treaties in the…

«1...678910