Preventing Nuclear Terrorism: Reducing the Danger of Highly Enriched Uranium

Abstract

It would be relatively easy for a terrorist group as well-organized as the September 11 attackers to make a gun-type weapon out of highly-enriched uranium (HEU). The highest hurdle for any terrorist group seeking to build such a nuclear weapon is obtaining HEU. The production of HEU most likely is beyond the technical capabilities of terrorists, but there is a clear and present danger that insecure HEU anywhere could be stolen and smuggled to terrorists with a global reach. Strengthening HEU control to prevent terrorists from gaining access to such material is therefore one of the most effective ways to prevent nuclear terrorism. In this paper, I will explore and recommend a range of approaches to reduce the danger of HEU, including increasing the security of existing HEU stocks, reducing HEU stocks, ending HEU production for military purpose, and ending the use of HEU for research and naval reactors.

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