NCJ Number
85123
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (June 1982) Pages: 57-74
Date Published
1982
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This discussion of nuclear terrorism considers the prevention of nuclear proliferation, nuclear fuel, the nuclear fuel cycle, safeguards in the transportation of nuclear material, an example of shoddy handling of nuclear material, student bombs, hoaxes, military security, and contamination.
Abstract
It would not be difficult for any nation to develop atomic weapons without the knowledge of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Because of the poor basis for safeguards material accounting, the effectiveness of the IAEA in preventing nuclear proliferation is dangerously misleading. Nuclear proliferation inevitably increases the likelihood that terrorist groups will obtain nuclear weapons. The improper diversion of nuclear reactor materials for the construction of nuclear weapons is also a threat, but this threat can be reduced by various security and control procedures that will not inhibit energy production. During and between each stage of the nuclear fuel cycle, safeguards must be maintained to ensure that the fuel does not fall into the wrong hands. The transportation phase of the cycle is particularly vulnerable to attack and should receive special security consideration. The poor bookkeeping procedures exposed at the Nuclear Materials and Equipment Corporation illustrate the danger posed by incompetency in accurately accounting for the whereabouts of all nuclear material. Recent incidents of students using unclassified information to construct nuclear bombs show the ease with which persons without sophisticated scientific knowledge can create a nuclear bomb. The dispensing of nuclear contamination over a wide area is another way that terrorists could use nuclear materials. Military security for the storage and transport of nuclear material and weapons consists of a series of security measures that would make it extremely difficult for a group to finally secure and make operable a nuclear weapon. Data are provided on the nuclear status of various nations, and 20 references are included.