Year
2017
Abstract
Of the 1100+ incidents related to the acquisition, possession, threat and use of weapons of mass destruction by sub-state actors catalogued by the Monterey WMD Terrorism Database since 1900, over 130 have involved RN materials. (Blair and Ackerman 2009, WMDTDB). Advances in science and technology and the emergence of additional nuclear states are reducing obstacles to successful acquisition and use of RN materials in WMD attacks. Like other WMD, the long term residual impact of an RN attack may create panic and fear beyond that of conventional weapons. RN materials are also more difficult to acquire, conceal, and safely work with than either conventional weapons or chemical and biological materials and weapons, and are considered a relatively high-risk strategy. The practical and strategic challenges to acquiring and using RN weapons or materials suggest there may be distinctive characteristics of groups and individuals willing to overcome the challenges. A framework to identify indicators that an individual or group may be a high risk for acquiring and using RN materials or weapons should improve detection, intervention, and prevention of RN attacks.