Nonproliferation Issues For Weapons of Mass Destruction

Nonproliferation Issues for Weapons of Mass Destruction provides an understanding of WMD proliferation risks by bridging complex technical and political issues. The text begins by defining the world conditions that foster proliferation, followed by an analysis of characteristics of various classes of WMDs, including nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. It then explores the effectiveness of arms control, discussing current nonproliferation problems, nonproliferation prior to the fall of the USSR, and weapons safeguards. The book analyzes the future of these weapons, discussing delivery systems and potential use by states, terrorist groups, and individuals. The text concludes with a discussion of what can be done to limit the impact of WMDs. This volume enables a realistic understanding of the relative risks that WMDs present to our way of life.

INTRODUCTIONThe Shifting of Wealth The Proliferation of TechnologyThe Change in the Methods of WarfareThe Seeds of Change Energy and the Volatile MixConclusions References WHAT IS A WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION?Nuclear Weapons Dirty BombBiological Weapons Chemical WeaponsConclusionsAppendix 2.1 Parties and Signatories to the Treaty on theNonproliferation of Nuclear WeaponsAppendix 2.2 Parties and Signatories to the Biological WeaponsConvention References CHARACTERISTICS OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS Nuclear Materials Radioactive MaterialsDirty Bombs Biological Effects of RadiationEffects of a Nuclear ExplosiveEffects of a Dirty BombConclusionsAppendix 3.1 Separation TechnologiesReferences CHARACTERISTICS OF BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS Biological AgentsProduction Equipment and Methods Uses of Biological Agents as a WeaponConclusionsReferences CHARACTERISTICS OF CHEMICAL WEAPONSChemical Agents CW Munitions CW Use by StatesCW Use in TerrorismCW Use by Individuals ConclusionsReferences EFFECTIVENESS OF ARMS CONTROL Nonproliferation Problems in the PresentNonproliferation Prior to the Fall of the USSR Treaties and Their Historical Impact Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Weapons SafeguardsConclusionsReferences THE FUTURE OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTIONNuclear Weapons Dirty Bombs Biological Weapons Chemical WeaponsOil as a Dominant Force in ProliferationConclusionsReferences WHAT CAN BE DONE TO LIMIT THE IMPACT OF WMDS? References