Dr. Hunter Hustus - Deterrence on NATO’s Front Line

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 postureThe importance of Gotland in NATO defenseDeterrence credibility and observable actionsThe interaction between conventional and nuclear forcesThe impact of Sweden and Finland joining NATODeterrence by denial and force postureThe importance of steady state US forces in EuropeStress testing deterrence assumptionsNuclear force structure and credibilityDecision calculus of adversariesDr. 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.Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6qFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to Kimberly@anwadeter.org