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A new strategy memo, called the Nuclear Posture Review, drafted by the Pentagon and awaiting approval from the White House, calls for the development of low-yield nuclear weapons. It would also expand the circumstances under which nuclear weapons could be used, including possibly in retaliation for major cyberattacks.

The memo also comes a few months after President Trump told his national security leaders that he wanted a “nearly tenfold increase in the U.S. nuclear arsenal,” a comment he has since denied.

Michèle Flournoy served as under secretary of defense for policy from February 2009 to February 2012 and is founder and managing director of WestExec advisors. She joins us to explain this potential expansion. 

This segment is hosted by Todd Zwillich