The head of U.S. Strategic Command is calling for military and federal leaders to reimagine methods of deterring aggressive action from rivals such as China and Russia, including the “real possibility” of nuclear war.
In a stark assessment of the current geopolitical landscape, STRATCOM Commander Adm. Charles Richard warned that China and Russia have “begun to aggressively challenge international norms” in “ways not seen since the height of the Cold War.” Richard cited a rise in cyberattacks and “threats in space,” as well as their investment in advanced arms such as nuclear weapons.
STRATCOM is responsible for the U.S. nuclear deterrent.