Nuclear/Radiological Terrorism: Myth or Reality?

Abstract

The nuclear/radiological terrorism ostensibly added the specter of nuclear attack by terrorist groups in our collective consciousness. The careful study of nuclear material acquisition and steps involved in manufacturing and exploding nuclear/radiological device manifest that nuclear terrorism is a cumbersome task. It becomes more difficult, if the terrorist organization manages to get a hold on nuclear weapon and try to use it, due to the inbuilt device code systems. Conversely, even if the terrorist’s are unable to decode the device security codes, they would be able to create indescribable psychological fear among the people. In addition numerous methods are available to the terrorist groups for conducting radiological/nuclear terrorism. Though we have no precedent of nuclear terrorism, yet its possibility does not cease to exist.