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What It Takes to Become a Nuclear Terrorist

Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University/Institute of Physics and Biophysics, University of Salzburg

There is justified concern that terrorists may use nuclear or other radioactive material to commit an act of terrorism. However, there are multiple barriers to be overcome by a terrorist to actually be able to deploy such a weapon. This article discusses four threat scenarios involving nuclear and other radioactive materials: radioactive dispersion with criminal intent, radiological malevolence, attack on a nuclear power plant, and nuclear weapons. Altogether, 16 attack modes are identified with largely different logistical and technical requirements for their implementation. However, none of them should be considered as out of realm for a dedicated terror organization with a certain degree of sophistication.

Key Words: terrorism • nuclear • radiological • dirty bomb

American Behavioral Scientist, Vol. 46, No. 6, 782-795 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/0002764202239174


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