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Moving nuclear subs isn’t something you announce on social media

Submarines are the apex predators of the oceans. They’re not sabre-rattling tools, especially when the US and Russia have over 10,000 nuclear weapons between them.

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The US Navy's USS Minnesota sails in waters off the coast of Western Australia on March 16.

The USS Minnesota, a Virginia-class attack submarine, sailing in waters off the coast of Western Australia on March 16.

PHOTO: AFP

James Stavridis

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Over the past week, two political leaders have exchanged barbs underlining the powerful nuclear arsenals of their respective nations. It was not just a pointless demonstration of bravado – it also showed that careless words and vague military threats can move the world closer to a disastrous conflict.

The first to lash out was Mr Dmitry Medvedev, a former president and prime minister of Russia, who now serves as deputy chairman of President Vladimir Putin’s security council.

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