Nuclear armageddon: Can the world end in 72 minutes?

NEW DELHI: Annie Jacobsen, a seasoned author with a focus on national security issues, has released a gripping new book, “Nuclear War: A Scenario,” that chronicles the terrifying sequence of events in a hypothetical global nuclear war spanning just 72 minutes from the first missile launch to an apocalyptic conclusion. The book, which is based on a fictional scenario backed by factual research, has quickly climbed to bestseller status.
As per a Politico report, Jacobsen’s narrative starts with a North Korean leader initiating a nuclear strike by launching an intercontinental ballistic missile aimed at the Pentagon, followed by another targeting a nuclear reactor in California.This sparks a frenzied response from the United States, where the president, under immense pressure and with only six minutes to react, authorizes a retaliatory strike against North Korea. This decision sets off a chain reaction involving other nuclear powers, leading to a catastrophic global conflict that results in billions of deaths and a poisoned Earth devoid of sustainable life.
The scenario explores the complex and rapid decisions faced by world leaders under the threat of nuclear war. “For humans and assets on the Martian surface, we don’t have a solid handle on what the effect is from radiation during solar activity,” said Shannon Curry, principal investigator for Nasa’s MAVEN orbiter, underscoring the unpredictable and dire outcomes of such decisions.
Critics of the book have pointed out potential flaws in Jacobsen’s assumptions, such as the improbability of ICBMs needing to fly over Russia, which could trigger further misunderstandings. Historical precedents like Ronald Reagan’s noted concerns about the short decision window available during nuclear alerts are also discussed, emphasizing the longstanding fears regarding nuclear strategies based on “launch on warning” doctrines.
The release of “Nuclear War: A Scenario” comes at a particularly tense global moment, with heightened nuclear rhetoric from global powers and increasing nuclear capabilities in countries like Iran. The book serves as a sobering reminder of the potential failures of nuclear deterrence and the devastating consequences of nuclear war.
Jacobsen defends her narrative as a meticulously researched account, drawing from interviews with over 46 sources familiar with nuclear command protocols. The book aims to educate and provoke thought about the precarious nature of nuclear diplomacy and the stark realities of a nuclear conflict scenario that could unfold in real time.
Experts and former military officials have contributed to the discourse, sharing insights into the strategic considerations and potential missteps that could lead to nuclear escalation. Jacobsen’s work challenges the complacency surrounding nuclear weapons and underscores the urgent need for informed policy-making and international cooperation to prevent such a scenario.
As the world grapples with the complexities of nuclear deterrence and the specter of nuclear conflict, Jacobsen’s book serves as a critical examination of what is at stake and the slim margins for error that could define the future of global security.