Author: Thomas L. Knapp

The Moral Case for Nuclear Deterrence

Source: Law & LIberty
by Brian A Smith

“In scholarly discussions of just war thought, nuclear weapons often serve as little more than terrifying symbols of injustice. Since 1945, many have argued that such weapons are incapable of being deployed in a just role, either in attacks or in a deterrent posture. These thinkers tend to view nukes as far too indiscriminate and entirely too prone to unleashing an escalatory spiral that none would survive. Such writers view nuclear weapons as intrinsically immoral, and there the discussion often ends. Realists tend to sidestep the moral challenge, shrug, and note that we live in an imperfect world—before moving on to what seems to them the real issues stemming from nuclear weapons: finding the right balance of ends, ways, and means for them in national security policy. But one need not embrace a more realistic view without rendering a moral account of these matters.” (04/14/26)

https://lawliberty.org/book-review/the-moral-case-for-nuclear-deterrence/

Thomas L. Knapp

US wholesale prices surged 4% last month as the Iran war sent energy prices soaring

Source: Seattle Times

“U.S. wholesale prices surged last month as the Iran war drove up the cost of energy. The Labor Department reported Tuesday that its producer price index — which measures inflation before it hits consumers — rose 0.5% from February and 4% from March 2025. The year-over-year gains was the biggest in more than three years. Energy prices surged 8.5% from February. Excluding volatile food and energy prices, so-called core producer prices rose a modest 0.1% from February and 3.8% from a year earlier. The gains in wholesale prices were smaller than economists had forecast.” (04/14/26)

https://archive.is/P15Jt

Thomas L. Knapp

Speech in Vienna on Robotics and the Future of War

Source: Cobden Centre

“[Max Rangeley] recently gave this speech in Vienna, talking through Europe’s lack of a robotics industry compared to the US and China, and the disastrous consequences of this in the event of a major conflict.” (04/14/26)

https://www.cobdencentre.org/2026/04/speech-in-vienna-on-robotics-and-the-future-of-war/

Thomas L. Knapp

Will Migration From Blue States to Red States Give the GOP a Boost in the Electoral College? Not Necessarily.

Source: Reason
by Stephanie Slade

“While many of the states that are growing are currently seen as safe red territory, today’s Republican-voting states could be tomorrow’s swing states.” (for publication 05/26)

https://reason.com/2026/04/14/the-electoral-college-gets-redder/

Thomas L. Knapp