Nuclear Weapons and Terrorism - Essay Example

It may be the case that some terrorists (Or terrorist sympathizers) might be able to build an implosion assembly method (Using a plutonium core) or gun-type assembly method (Uranium tip) thermonuclear weapon from scratch, this approach would be unlikely. Firstly, it would be difficult to gather all of the raw nuclear materials and assemble them into a working weapon. Although it was postulated by Nuclear Control Institute (2011) that in theory terrorists could steal nuclear power plant fuel and convert that into a working nuclear weapon.

However, it is my belief that it is far more likely that the theft of completed nuclear weapon sub-components from various sources and then bring them together. The next major issue for consideration is the idea that a completed nuclear weapon could be stolen by terrorist groups. Although it may be the case that nations with nuclear weapons state that they have strict controls over the storage and transport it is the case that the International Atomic Energy Commission only places physical security standards on international shipments of nuclear materials and not the internal transportation of these weapons.

As such one could postulate that there may exist inadequate protection of several nations nuclear weapon arsenals. Assuming that there exists a desire by the terrorist organizations to get these weapons, a direct theft would be a reasonable approach. In order to help dissuade nuclear terrorism, several approaches must be taken. Firstly, there need to be stricter controls of nuclear weapons, power generation facilities and transportation facilities. With these stronger controls in place, any disappearance of products would immediately raise an alert and governments can adjust their threat level protocols.

Secondly, there needs to be a stronger monitoring of terrorist organizations. When governments gain a better understanding of what activities these terrorists are becoming actively involved in, it could effectively allow for better defenses of at high-risk facilities. Another wise idea would be to infiltrate as many of these organizations as possible to not only gain a better understanding of their operations but to potentially dissuade them from pursuing a nuclear option. Finally, governments need to do everything they can to actively combat these terrorist organizations.

By actively attacking these groups on all fronts (Through economic means and physical means) it would not only help to demoralize their efforts but it may also divert their attention away from procuring a nuclear weapon and focus more on other efforts such as member recruitment. In conclusion there seems to be no one solution to the nuclear threat, however, it can be stated that the risk does exist and everything that can be done to prevent a catastrophe should be done otherwise the consequences for western nations would be significant.