Dr. Hunter Hustus - Deterrence on NATO’s Front Line

In this episode of NucleCast, Hunter Hustus joins the conversation to examine the changing security environment in Europe and what it means for NATO deterrence. From the strategic importance of Gotland and the addition of Sweden and Finland to NATO, to the relationship between conventional forces and nuclear deterrence, Hustus explores what makes deterrence credible in an increasingly complex security environment.

The discussion also considers the value of a sustained U.S. presence in Europe, survivability and dispersal of forces, deterrence by denial, and the importance of continually stress-testing assumptions through exercises, gaming, and training. At the heart of the conversation is a critical question: How can NATO strengthen conventional defense while maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent and reducing the risk of escalation?

Key Topics:

• European security and NATO's strategic posture
• The importance of Gotland in NATO defense
• Deterrence credibility and observable actions
• The interaction between conventional and nuclear forces
• The impact of Sweden and Finland joining NATO
• Deterrence by denial and force posture
• The importance of steady state US forces in Europe
• Stress testing deterrence assumptions
• Nuclear force structure and credibility
• Decision calculus of adversaries

Dr. Hunter Hustus served more than 34 years with the U.S. Air Force as both an active-duty officer and civilian, specializing in nuclear deterrence strategy, policy, and strategic communications. A retired B-52 electronic warfare officer, he also served in NATO and later advised U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa on foreign policy and congressional affairs. He holds a Doctorate in Law and Policy from Northeastern University and currently resides on Gotland, Sweden.

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