Dan Plesch, The Conversation: Could the US win World War III without using nuclear weapons?
As the US, Russia and China test each other’s patience and strategic focus, speculation about the chances of a world war has hit a new high. But many of the people seriously engaged in this weighty discussion often get it wrong.
When it comes to estimating military capability, the Western media is principally concerned with the weapons capabilities of weaker states – and it rarely pays much attention to the colossal capability of the US, which still accounts for most of the world’s defence spending.
Any sensible discussion of what a hypothetical World War III might look like needs to begin with the sheer size and force of America’s military assets. For all that China and Russia are arming up on various measures, US commanders have the power to dominate escalating crises and counter opposing forces before they can be used.
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WNU Editor: I have never been a believer in limited nuclear war, and I have never felt comfortable that a major war between U.S./Russia/China could occur without the use of nuclear weapons. There is too much vested in these weapon systems to not be used .... which is why we should never be in a position where the opportunity to use them is permitted.
As the US, Russia and China test each other’s patience and strategic focus, speculation about the chances of a world war has hit a new high. But many of the people seriously engaged in this weighty discussion often get it wrong.
When it comes to estimating military capability, the Western media is principally concerned with the weapons capabilities of weaker states – and it rarely pays much attention to the colossal capability of the US, which still accounts for most of the world’s defence spending.
Any sensible discussion of what a hypothetical World War III might look like needs to begin with the sheer size and force of America’s military assets. For all that China and Russia are arming up on various measures, US commanders have the power to dominate escalating crises and counter opposing forces before they can be used.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: I have never been a believer in limited nuclear war, and I have never felt comfortable that a major war between U.S./Russia/China could occur without the use of nuclear weapons. There is too much vested in these weapon systems to not be used .... which is why we should never be in a position where the opportunity to use them is permitted.