The global landscape has changed drastically since the development of the first nuclear weapons—from the rise of new great powers, to the rapid innovation and expansion of new technologies. On this episode of Talking Policy, host Lindsay Shingler is joined by Thom Mason, the director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Together, they discuss the shifting world order, the future of nuclear deterrence, and the new generation of nuclear security specialists.

This episode was recorded on May 14, 2026. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.