India and Pakistan's Looming Nuclear Catastrophe - William Spaniel

India and Pakistan are on the verge of a full-blown war. Looming in the background are both parties' nuclear weapons. But this creates a bit of a puzzle. Under the traditional logic of atomic bombs, the threat of massive damage is supposed to deter war. Yet here we are. Thus, today's video explores how nuclear weapons can sometimes increase the incentives to initiate a conflict. Indeed, nuclear weapons can act as an insurance policy. With neither side worried that they will lose control over their capital, each becomes more free to fight limited wars over periphery regions.

0:00 The Current India-Pakistan Conflict
0:48 Background on India's and Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons
1:51 Mutually Assured Destruction
3:42 Limits to the Credibility of Nuclear Use
5:46 How Nuclear Weapons Can Cause Wars
8:52 Why Nuclear Catastrophe Is Still Possible