Nuclear Detonations Effects

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What is the primary drawback of detonations close to the ground in the context of nuclear warfare?

Blast waves

Thermal radiation

Fireball formation

Debris mixing with radioactive material (correct)

What is the primary benefit of advances in accuracy for nuclear warfare?

Improved ability to destroy hardened targets (correct)

Enhanced thermal radiation

Reduced radiation fallout

Increased likelihood of fratricide effects

What is the minimum overpressure a missile silo must be hardened to withstand in order to have a low probability of being destroyed by a 1985 U.S. ICBM?

1,000 pounds per square inch

2,000 pounds per square inch

4,000 pounds per square inch

3,000 pounds per square inch (correct)

What is a major consequence of a nuclear strike that produces fallout?

Vast and difficult to predict consequences Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of hardening a target in the context of nuclear warfare?

Protecting against a first strike Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate probability of a 2017 U.S. ICBM destroying a missile silo hardened to withstand 3,000 pounds per square inch overpressure?

74 percent Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of improvement in submarine-launched weapons using the larger-yield W88 warhead?

80 percent Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected rate of failure for modern ballistic missiles?

20-30 percent Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum separation time required between incoming warheads to avoid direct effects of nuclear detonations?

3-5 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of an incoming warhead detonating outside of the lethal radius?

A dust cloud forms 6-8 seconds after detonation Signup and view all the answers

What is the time it takes for the dust cloud to dissipate after an incoming warhead detonates outside of the lethal radius?

20 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe a situation where the effects of one warhead interfere with the operation of other warheads?

Fratricide Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of Libyan civilian deaths in Treatment Group Four?

2,700 Signup and view all the answers

According to the results, what percentage of respondents prefer a nuclear strike over a conventional strike when both have equal effectiveness?

12% Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of respondents who prefer a nuclear strike when it is more effective than a conventional strike, but with increased civilian casualties?

30% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the military operation described in the study, as stated in the news story?

To send a strong message to terrorist sympathizers Signup and view all the answers

In which country did a majority of respondents not prefer the nuclear strike option when it was more effective than a conventional strike?

United Kingdom Signup and view all the answers

What is the key assumption of mainstream rationalist theories of IR about states' behavior?

States are driven by the same logic of minimizing costs and maximizing benefits Signup and view all the answers

How do constructivist theories differ from mainstream rationalist theories in their understanding of states' behavior?

Constructivist theories allow for the internalization of norms to influence states' logic of reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between the public opinions of Israelis and British citizens in the study?

Israelis perceive the costs and benefits of using military force differently than British citizens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the study's research design?

To examine cross-national differences in the willingness to use nuclear weapons and target civilians Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the logic of reasoning that prioritizes costs and benefits, unconstrained by categorical norms?

Consequentialist logic Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of exploring the origins of compatriot partiality and its relationship to other measures of nationalism in the context of retributive beliefs?

Understanding the origins of compatriot partiality can help explain why individuals prioritize punishing certain groups over others, and its relationship to nationalism can reveal the role of national identity in shaping retributive beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to study public opinion on nuclear use in different countries, including nuclear-armed autocracies?

Studying public opinion on nuclear use can help understand the potential for nuclear conflict and inform policies aimed at reducing the risk of nuclear war, and including nuclear-armed autocracies can provide a more comprehensive understanding of global attitudes towards nuclear use. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between categorical and consequentialist reasoning in the context of nuclear conflict?

Categorical reasoning prioritizes moral principles, such as noncombatant immunity, over consequences, whereas consequentialist reasoning prioritizes outcomes and costs over moral principles. Signup and view all the answers

How can cross-country comparative analysis inform our understanding of retributive beliefs and support for nuclear use?

Comparing retributive beliefs and support for nuclear use across countries can reveal patterns and variations in attitudes towards nuclear conflict, and help identify factors that contribute to these differences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'nuclear taboo' in shaping public opinion on nuclear use?

The 'nuclear taboo' refers to the widespread norm against the use of nuclear weapons, and its significance lies in its influence on public opinion and decisions regarding nuclear use. Signup and view all the answers