Describe The Four Main Types Of Radiological And Nuclear Terrorism

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Describe the four areas of trending technology that are of particular concern in the development of new WMD

Advances in technology impact lives across the world on a daily basis. Technology enables individuals to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. However with all the good that technology brings, advances in information technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, as well as other disruptive technologies are areas that are of particular concern with regards to the development of weapons of mass destruction.

Information technology enables data to be broadcast throughout the world. This facilitates terrorist organizations to gather information on acquiring or building a WMD, possible targets, and communicate with the members …show more content…

J., & Howard, R. D. (2013). Weapons of mass destruction and terrorism. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Describe the four main types of radiological and nuclear terrorism

Terrorism takes on many forms, but the thing that holds true is the desire to cause unreasonable fear. The thought of a radiological or nuclear terrorist attack instills unspeakable fear in most individuals. The four main types of radiological and nuclear terrorism is the seizing of an intact nuclear weapon, making an improvised nuclear device, dispersing radiological material, and attacking or sabotaging a nuclear facility.

The seizure of an intact nuclear weapon would be quite a coup for a terrorist organization. The acquisition would require either gaining the assistance of a country or a nuclear custodian, or through the theft of such weaponry. Due to the increased efforts of the international counter proliferation agreements, theft is the most likely way for a terrorist organization to acquire a nuclear weapon.

Creating an improvised nuclear device requires the appropriation of highly enriched uranium or plutonium. Acquiring such items is unlikely due to high security at sites that handle nuclear material. This type of terrorism would have dire consequences if carried out, however the likelihood of such an attack is relatively …show more content…

Radiological attacks are a more likely form of terrorist attack due to the numerous commercially used radioactive material on the market (Forest and Howard, 2013). However, radiological attacks are not as deadly due to the likely hood of limited exposure to the radioactive material and quick decontamination