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

    8H AGO

    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/

    47 min
  2. 174 - “Hope Is Not a Strategy”: Facing the Reality of the Iran Conflict

    MAY 6

    174 - “Hope Is Not a Strategy”: Facing the Reality of the Iran Conflict

    In this episode of The NIDS View, Curtis welcomes Jim Klingmeyer, a former Air Force intelligence officer with extensive Middle East experience, to share his assessment of the Iran conflict and its wide-reaching strategic effects. Using decades of regional insight, Klingmeyer explains the historical roots of U.S.–Iran hostility, Iran’s regional ambitions, and the changing nuclear and missile threats shaping today’s security landscape. The conversation also covers Iran’s military strategy and the limits of U.S. political will and military options. From the War Powers Act and deterrence credibility to economic effects such as oil prices and global stability, this episode provides a clear assessment of risk, resolve, and realism in U.S. foreign policy. Jim Klingmeyer is an innovative leader with 30 years of experience in active-duty military, private sector, and NGO spaces. Founder and CEO of the Lafayette Group.org. He conducts tailored Hostage Recovery, Humanitarian Relief, and security consulting for corporations, NGO, and Non-Profit organizations operating throughout the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. 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/

    45 min
  3. 173 - April 2026 News in Review: Golden Dome, Missing Scientists, and the Risks Ahead

    APR 28

    173 - April 2026 News in Review: Golden Dome, Missing Scientists, and the Risks Ahead

    In this episode of The NIDS View, Jim and Curtis break down their favorite news articles shaping deterrence, national security, and defense innovation. From the troubling disappearance of U.S. research scientists to debates surrounding the Golden Dome missile defense system, the discussion connects current headlines to enduring questions of strategic stability and deterrence credibility. The hosts also examine energy security and its implications for global risk—particularly in the context of the Strait of Hormuz, missile stockpile depletion, and growing concerns about military readiness. The episode concludes with a timely look at nuclear modernization, the possibility of renewed underground nuclear testing, and what today’s developments signal for deterrence in a rapidly changing technological and geopolitical environment. Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts NIDS Podcast Network - National Institute for Deterrence Studies 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/

    44 min
  4. 171- Redefining Deterrence: Air Power, Drones, and Missile Defense in the Indo‑Pacific

    APR 15

    171- Redefining Deterrence: Air Power, Drones, and Missile Defense in the Indo‑Pacific

    In this episode of The NIDS View, Dr. Carl Rhodes joins Jim to examine how recent operations in Iran, advances in air power and missile defense, and the rapid evolution of drone technology are reshaping modern warfare and deterrence—particularly in the Indo‑Pacific. Carl unpacks how precision strike capabilities, layered missile defenses, and unmanned systems are altering escalation dynamics and influencing deterrence strategies vis‑à‑vis China and other regional actors. Drawing on frameworks such as the Escalation Ladder and Deterrence by Denial, the conversation explores how military power, economic coercion, and integrated effects increasingly define competition below and above the threshold of conflict. Key themes include the implications of recent military operations in the Middle East, the growing sophistication of Chinese air and missile defenses, and what these trends mean for U.S. allies—particularly Australia—as they enhance regional security cooperation through joint exercises and capability development. Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts NIDS Podcast Network - National Institute for Deterrence Studies 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/

    41 min
  5. 170 - Drones Over the Fence: Securing America's Nuclear Deterrent from Surveillance or Sabotage

    APR 8

    170 - Drones Over the Fence: Securing America's Nuclear Deterrent from Surveillance or Sabotage

    In this episode, Jim and Curtis break down the rising threat of unauthorized drone activity near U.S. military bases—spotlighting recent incidents at Barksdale Air Force Base. As drone technology and access rapidly evolve, new vulnerabilities are emerging across critical defense infrastructure. They explore how drones enable persistent surveillance, reconnaissance, and even potential weaponization—and what that means for America's nuclear deterrence credibility and national security. The conversation also dives into current policies, legislative efforts, and the latest counter-drone technologies, highlighting the need for layered defenses and stronger coordination across federal and state agencies. Looking ahead, the hosts examine future challenges—from kinetic damage to EMP-related defenses—and make the case for the importance of public awareness and interagency cooperation in protecting U.S. installations. Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts NIDS Podcast Network - National Institute for Deterrence Studies 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/

    43 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

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.

You Might Also Like