Nuclear Weapons, Proliferation, and Terrorism: U.S. Response in the Twenty-First Century
Abstract
As the remaining superpower in the post-Cold War world, the U.S. needs to reevaluate its policy toward the growing threat to U.S. national interests and the effects of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), specifically nuclear devices, and their use by terrorist groups against U.S. interests abroad. As the world reacts to the implosion of the former Soviet Union, there are increased numbers of nations and possibly terrorist groups trying to become players in the international arena. This study describes the ease of obtaining the scientific knowledge, plans, and materials to enable a terrorist's construction of a nuclear device. It also analyzes motivation of terrorist groups, concluding that a nuclear weapon, capable of inflicting violence in the extreme, fulfills the terrorist's goal of violence in support of a political agenda or to inspire radical change. Given the guidance from the national level, this study proposes a series of policy options available to the NCA for application in an aggressive counterproliferation policy. Finally, the U.S. must rapidly reorganize its counterproliferation structure and methods to streamline a more aggressive approach that is recognized and feared by potential nuclear terrorists; augment current political efforts with a clearly defined counterproliferation military mission and associated doctrine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA350033
Entities
People
- Denise A. Delawter
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College