The debate on whether the United States should conduct yield-producing nuclear tests is heating up. The Trump administration wants to test nuclear weapons on an “equal basis” with China and Russia. It has presented evidence that China tested a nuclear device at a yield of hundreds of tons in 2020. Meanwhile, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has argued that his department’s non-yield nuclear tests are sufficient.
In the attached video recording of a National Institute for Deterrence Studies workshop, I argue that the secretary may be right. The workshop panel included a distinguished list of experts including Don Cook, Laura Berzak Hopkins, and Dave Trachtenberg. I’ve included the entire video as well as my own final presentation, along with a Q&A session.
As always, I’m curious to get your take regarding the attached.
As Ever,
Henry S.
____________
February 27, 2026
Part I: Opening Remarks & Comments From Don Cook, Laura Berzak Hopkins, and Dave Trachtenberg
Part II: Comments from Henry Sokolski
Part III: Q&A & Closing Remarks
To watch the full talk, click here.