Routledge Radiological Terrorism: A Global Threat (Routledge Global Security Studies)

This book addresses radiological terrorism and the significant threats it poses to the public, the economy, and the environment across the globe. The work assesses the global radiological security issues associated with the illicit acquisition of radioactive substances by non-State actors, in particular terrorist groups, for malicious purposes. The book also examines the risks posed by ‘sealed radioactive sources’ used extensively in medical and industrial applications worldwide, which may be used in acts of terrorism and in illicit transnational trafficking. Moreover, the book provides an assessment of the international legal and institutional frameworks governing radiological security and radiological counter-terrorism. It highlights the inherent deficiencies and inadequacies that the international community needs to address, with a view to effectively counter the evolving and emerging radiological terrorism threats worldwide. Furthermore, the book discusses the transnational nature of radiological terrorism and the need for multilateral cooperation to counter the global radiological threats and effectively mitigate the risks posed to the public, the economy, and ecological systems. This book will be of interest to students of terrorism studies, security studies, nuclear non-proliferation, science and technology studies, and International Relations.