Evaluating The Threat of Nuclear Terrorism: Cutting through the rhetoric

Abstract

This major research paper (MRP) provides a strong case for dismissing the overblown rhetoric of nuclear alarmism by demonstrating that a multitude of constructive actions are being taken in order to mitigate what is a substantially small threat. By effectively evaluating the arguments for alarmism and responding to them in turn, this MRP asserts that the assumptions from which stem the contemporary overblown rhetoric on nuclear terrorism are not grounded. Fears about terrorists operating independently to acquire nuclear materials, fears about the safety of nuclear installations and radiological sources as well as fears about state-sponsored nuclear terrorism are assuaged through a reasoned deconstruction of arguments. Furthermore, this MRP argues that multilateral nuclear security initiatives are an essential component of global counter-nuclear terrorism efforts, given that there are numerous unilateral, bilateral and multilateral initiatives that exist explicitly for the prevention of nuclear weapon proliferation within the arsenals of terrorists.