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.
A Russian delegation visit to the U.S. in 2000 highlights lessons on engaging former adversaries for strong nuclear security cooperation
October 5, 2020
An exercise demonstrating how Russians would respond to a terrorist attack against their nuclear weapons.
July 31, 2020
A review of changes in the nuclear security environment and recommendations on how to build upon existing IAEA nuclear security recommendations
July 29, 2020
COVID-19 is decimating families, communities, economies, and, if not managed properly could, potentially undermine security at nuclear sites around the globe.
April 27, 2020
April 22, 2020
How Nuclear enterprises around the world are acting to maintain safety while providing power to vital operations during the COVID-19 crisis
April 17, 2020
Many nuclear establishments had planned against the possibility of an epidemic, but very likely the severity of the current crisis is beyond what was imagined
April 17, 2020
Copyright The Henry L. Stimson Center