An act of nuclear terrorism anywhere in the world would be a global humanitarian, economic, and political catastrophe. While nobody knows which terrorist group will be the next to pursue a nuclear weapon or attempt to sabotage a nuclear power plant, we do know that terrorists or criminals would need to target one of the hundreds of nuclear facilities around the world. This is why the most effective strategy for preventing nuclear terrorism is to ensure strong and sustainable security for all weapons-usable nuclear materials and major nuclear facilities. Nuclear operators must foster organizational cultures that produce well-trained staff—from senior executive leadership to guard forces—dedicated to strong and sustainable nuclear security, and motivated to vigilantly watch for potential threats and vulnerabilities. Despite all of the attention to nuclear security in recent years, little is understood about how to actually accomplish these goals.
The “Front Lines of Nuclear Security” seeks to learn from experience, understand organizational dynamics and challenges, draw lessons for enhanced implementation of nuclear security, and work with governments and operators to get those lessons implemented.
Delay, detect, deny, deter, defeat: the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren walks INSF members through nuclear security for ICBMs.
June 16, 2022
2021 exposed the growing threat of non-state actors to nuclear security – without renewed high-level multilateral cooperation to prevent nuclear terrorism risks in 2022, efforts to strengthen the international nuclear security architecture could face a critical juncture.
January 20, 2022
This new approach to identify and track warheads using cryptography can support a future agreement limiting warheads
December 13, 2021
Exploring the UK’s recent regulatory transition, the promotion of nuclear security culture, and response to the COVID-19 pandemic
October 27, 2021
An extended interview with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency as he tackles the threat of nuclear proliferation in the middle of a global pandemic.
October 22, 2021
Case studies of crises that impact nuclear security provide important opportunities to learn and build resilience into nuclear facilities and organizations.
October 5, 2021
Emerging technologies area double-edged sword for nuclear security: with challenges and benefits upon implementation.
October 5, 2021
Understanding technical exchanges conducted between the United States and Russia on inventory management provide insight into how to address current nuclear security challenges
August 6, 2021
Copyright The Henry L. Stimson Center