Publication

This paper aims to present a systematic dissection of the variety of factors that might induce terrorists to pursue the use of nuclear weapons. The most obvious reason for terrorists to seek these weapons, the author states, is to inflict massive casualties upon their perceived enemies. Other reasons include making an inordinate psychological impact on the enemy, prestige, "atomic fetishism" and revenge. Without trying to downplay the critical role of controls on fissile materials and nuclear technology, the author suggests that the prospects for success in preventing nuclear terrorism will be enhanced if it is possible to develop and implement both supply and demand side approaches.