The NIDS View

The National Institute for Deterrence Studies

The NIDS View is meant to give listeners inside access to the thoughts and ideas of the member-practitioners of NIDS including our Fellows, Analysts, and Interns. For each episode we pick a current deterrence topic and have a cordial, exciting and sometimes funny discussion. Each episode is a stand-alone topical and is expected to increase awareness of deterrence thinking, expand the next generation of deterrence professionals, and prepare the workforce whose mission is to ensure peace, security, and stability.

  1. 1 day ago

    184 - The Evolution of the B-1 Bomber: A Strategic Perspective with Ken Katz

    Jim and Curtis sit down with aerospace engineer Ken Katz to explore the remarkable evolution of the B-1 bomber and what it teaches us about deterrence, innovation, and adaptability. From the Cold War origins of the B-1 program to its transformation into a highly effective conventional strike platform, Katz examines the technological, political, and strategic forces that shaped one of America's most iconic aircraft. The discussion also explores the broader role of bombers in the U.S. strategic triad, the impact of stealth and radar cross-section design, and why digital systems have become essential to maintaining relevance in an ever-changing threat environment. Along the way, we revisit lessons from historic aircraft programs such as the B-70 Valkyrie and B-52 Stratofortress, discussing how decisions made decades ago continue to influence military modernization efforts today. Kenneth P. Katz was commissioned as an Air Force officer through ROTC and served on active duty as a flight test engineer at Edwards AFB, testing bombers and cruise missiles. After completing military service, he worked for the Boeing Company, flight testing the V-22 Osprey. Since then, he has worked in a variety of information technology and aerospace engineering positions, retiring from Collins Aerospace in 2025. Ken is the author of three books about military aircraft, with his most recent book being "The Supersonic BONE: A Development & Operational History of the B-1 Bomber". He is a prolific podcast host, currently doing the "Supersonic BONE" series for Authentic Media. www.thinkdeterrence.com

    184 - The Evolution of the B-1 Bomber: A Strategic Perspective with Ken Katz
  2. 27 May

    177 - The Future of NATO: Stay CALM or Carry On?

    What does the future of NATO look like in an era of evolving threats and shifting alliances? In this episode, NIDS Senior Fellow, Kirk Fansher joins Curtis to review and assess Hans Petter Midttun's proposed CALM (Coalition of Like Minds) concept to bolster Euro-deterrence and NATO credibility. Arguing that "NATO no longer guarantees Europe's security," CALM seeks to bring the more "enthusiastic" allies (and Ukraine) into a more credible and formidable group that would be relieved of NATO politics and independent of American support. The conversation explores how nuclear deterrence continues to underpin NATO’s stability, while raising critical questions about alliance cohesion, U.S. leadership, and Europe’s path toward greater strategic autonomy. As the war in Ukraine reshapes the security environment, this episode offers a timely and insightful look at how NATO must adapt to remain credible, unified, and effective in deterring future threats. https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/22/the-alternative-to-nato-a-coalition-of-like-minded-european-countries/ https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/05/04/nato-is-dead-meet-calm/ https://thinkdeterrence.com/ like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

    177 - The Future of NATO: Stay CALM or Carry On?

About

The NIDS View is meant to give listeners inside access to the thoughts and ideas of the member-practitioners of NIDS including our Fellows, Analysts, and Interns. For each episode we pick a current deterrence topic and have a cordial, exciting and sometimes funny discussion. Each episode is a stand-alone topical and is expected to increase awareness of deterrence thinking, expand the next generation of deterrence professionals, and prepare the workforce whose mission is to ensure peace, security, and stability.

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