Fear of terrorists gaining control of nuclear materials. Fear of World War Three, nuclear annihilation, "the bomb." The players and circumstances may have changed, but alarmist language is still part of any discussion about nuclear weapons. Ohio State Political Science Professor John Mueller wonders whether the world is right to be worried about Iran's quest for a nuclear weapon, or about a splinter terrorist group getting hold of nuclear materials. In fact, Mueller argues continuing obsession with atomic warfare is largely unfounded and unsupported by history, science…or even common sense.

We'll talk with Mueller about his book Atomic Obsession: Nuclear Alarmism from Hiroshima to Al-Qaeda.

Link to an update from NPR on Iran's nuclear ambitions.

LISTEN TO PROGRAM:

Download