Potential for nuclear terrorism

Technical Report · Sun May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977

OSTI ID:7080911

Jenkins, B M

The question of whether or not terrorists will ''go nuclear'' is discussed. It is possible, although there is no historical evidence that any criminal or terrorist group ever made any attempt to acquire nuclear material for use in an explosive or dispersal device. In terms of intentions, psychotics are potential nuclear terrorists, but in terms of capabilities, they are the farthest away from being able to acquire a nuclear weapon. The history of nuclear incidents in the U.S. and abroad is reviewed. As the nuclear industry expands, the number of low-level incidents (bomb threats, pilferage, etc.) will increase also, but not necessarily escalate to more serious incidents. Terrorists may ''go nuclear'' solely for the publicity value; nuclear hoaxes may be attenpted. Nuclear terrorism seems more attractive as a threat than as an action. But the nature of the threat may change in the future, and the danger of imitation of a successful nuclear terrorist act is pointed out. (DLC)

• Research Organization: Rand Corp., Santa Monica, Calif. (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7080911
• Report Number(s): P-5876
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

055001* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Safeguards
Inspection
& Accountability-- Technical Aspects
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ADVERSARIES
BEHAVIOR
NUCLEAR MATERIALS DIVERSION
NUCLEAR MATERIALS POSSESSION
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
PROBABILITY
THEFT
WEAPONS