Comprehensive Disclosure of Fissionable Materials, A Suggested Initiative
Abstract
Nearly all nations agree that we must seek to eliminate the global threat posed by weapons of mass destruction. Sharp differences persist, however, over when and how to do so. With the end of the Cold War, the risk of nuclear confrontation between the United States and Russia has fallen dramatically, as has the threat to global peace from the seemingly inexorable spiral of the East-West arms race. Sadly, and dangerously, there has been no corresponding breakthrough to halt and reduce horizontal proliferation nuclear weapons technology and materials remain available in increasing amounts and to more and more actors in this volatile post-Cold War world. It is not beyond the imagination that terrorism will become nuclear one day. We must take steps to prevent such a nightmare. As this is written, representatives from more than 170 nations have just succeeded in extending indefinitely and unconditionally the 15-year-old Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). That historic achievement provides the basis and the mandate for further strengthening of proliferation controls. The next important step in that regard is the full disclosure of fissionable materials. The goal would be better control of these potentially dangerous materials, including the vast and mobile supplies of weapons-grade materials that have been and are being released through the destruction of U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons. To understand better the imperatives and possibilities of establishing exacting standards of accounting for fissionable materials, the Commission on Preventing Deadly Conflict asked one of its members, John Steinbruner of the Brookings Institution, to prepare a discussion paper that would stimulate thought and promote wide-ranging debate on these critical issues. He was assisted in his effort by David Owen, Roald Sagdeev, and the undersigned.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA372479