Publication

This report analyzes the potential use of deterrence in preventing terrorist groups from acquiring nuclear weapons. It recommends a new approach to US declaratory policy as well as ways to improve US capabilities to determine the sources of terrorist attacks. The author suggests how to discourage states from giving weapons or nuclear materials to terrorists and how to encourage states to bolster security against any accidental transfer. The report also discusses the role of nuclear attribution - the science of identifying the origin of nuclear materials - in deterring transfers.