Real threat of nuclear smuggling

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Scientific American

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0196-40· OSTI ID:171399

Williams, P; Woessner, P N ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Pittsburgh, PA (United States)

Trade in uranium and plutonium during the past five years has given smuggling unprecedented relevance to international security. Yet there is considerable controversy over the threat nuclear smuggling poses. Even though serious efforts are being made to attack the problem at the source, the international community has been slow to respond to the dangers that nuclear smuggling presents. We suggest that systematic multinational measures be taken as soon as possible to inhibit theft at the source, to disrupt trafficking and to deter buyers. The U.S., Germany, Russia and other nations with an interest in the nuclear problem should set up a `flying squad` with an investigative arm, facilities for counter terrorist and counter extortion actions and a disaster management team. This paper discusses these issues. 3 refs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 171399
• Journal Information: Scientific American, Journal Name: Scientific American Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 274; ISSN SCAMAC; ISSN 0036-8733
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
35 ARMS CONTROL
NUCLEAR MATERIALS DIVERSION
NUCLEAR MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
PLUTONIUM
SAFEGUARDS
SECURITY