The argument for subs lies within the fundamental call on any nation: defend the realm and protect the currency (proving the oldest-profession status of strategists and economists in the state-building game).
Subs touch both bits of the realm–currency injunction: new boats to defend the borders cost a cornucopia ($89.7 billion is the current Attack-class price tag).
While economists reside in gloom, strategists dwell in horrors: dream up the worst possible scenario and then defend against it. Strategy wonks speak of low-probability, high-impact events.
