Thanks for the feedback and watching. All good points and issues that were knocking around in my head from the start, prior to writing. Though I completely agree that the idea of Russia launching a surprise attack against anyone, let alone NATO, is highly unlikely anytime soon (or not soon) - one can never completely dismiss the ability for us, the good guys (NATO, EU, US, etc.) to know something but not believe. Or to know (or strongly believe), but not act. One could easily get in a spiral of "I see what I see but if I increase my readiness, if I shift forces in response, if I mobilize, I could escalate into conflict. Maybe its a bluff. Maybe..." And then it's too late. Not beyond the realm of possibility. As for Russia having the teeth to conduct such an act by 2032... this is where I really had to throw a dart, story-wise, that kept it a close enough date to be relatable, but not so close that it's science fiction.
I guess I'll leave with this... as crazy as the story may seem... I keep in mind of how many times in the past twenty-ish years I have heard analysts describe recent events as 'unprecedented'. In short... who knows what's coming!
On starting the story with China: this was a straight-up story/flow decision rather than a geopolitical/military realism one. All about escalating tension and stakes. A war in the Baltics against Russia is problematic. A war with a powerful China over Taiwan could be catastrophic. Don't lead with the money shot.
Again, thanks for watching it and will be posting new episodes soon.
