Nuclear Terrorism: Terrorist Goals Determine Propensity for Use.

摘要

The paper argues that the goals of a terrorist organization are the decisive element in determining their propensity to engage in nuclear terrorism. Terrorist motivations to employ a nuclear WMD are analyzed by examining arguments that on the one hand say such weapons are unlikely to be used and counter arguments that say they some day may. Rational, politically motivated terrorist organizations are apt to see limited utility in a nuclear device. The influences of organizational behavior and other phenomena contribute to a profile of those who may see utility in nuclear terrorism. This examination enables an assessment of what type of organization poses the greatest potential threats. This assessment has implications for operational intelligence to combat the prospect of nuclear terrorism.