The Four Faces of Nuclear Terrorism facts for kids
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| Author | Charles D Ferguson William C Potter Amy Sands |
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| Subject | Nuclear terrorism |
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Publication date
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2004 |
| Pages | 376 pp. |
| ISBN | 978-0-415-95243-9 |
| OCLC | 57965807 |
The Four Faces of Nuclear Terrorism is a book from 2004. It was written by Charles D. Ferguson and William C. Potter. Other authors like Amy Sands also helped. The book talks about a very serious topic: how groups might try to use nuclear materials to cause harm.
The authors explain four main ways this could happen. They believe these "four faces" of nuclear terrorism are real dangers. The book was created after a two-year study. This study was done by experts at the Monterey Institute's Center for Nonproliferation Studies. This center works to stop the spread of dangerous weapons.
Contents
What is Nuclear Terrorism?
Nuclear terrorism is when a group tries to use nuclear materials to scare people or cause damage. It's about using very powerful nuclear energy in a harmful way. This book looks at different ways such attacks could happen. It also explores why groups might want to do this.
The Four Main Dangers
The book describes four main types of nuclear threats. These are called the "four faces." Each one is a different way nuclear materials could be used.
Stealing Nuclear Weapons
One danger is if a group steals a real nuclear weapon. These are very powerful bombs. They are designed to cause huge explosions. If stolen, they could be used to attack a city. This is a very serious threat.
Building a Simple Nuclear Bomb
Another danger is if a group tries to build their own nuclear bomb. This would be a "crude" or simple device. It would not be as powerful as a real weapon. But it could still cause a lot of damage. It would also spread dangerous radiation.
Attacking Nuclear Facilities
A third threat involves attacking nuclear power plants. These plants use nuclear materials to make electricity. If a plant was attacked, it could release radiation. This radiation could harm people and the environment. It's like a dangerous spill, but with invisible nuclear material.
Using Dirty Bombs
The fourth danger is using a "dirty bomb" (also called a radiological weapon). This is not a nuclear bomb. It uses regular explosives to spread radioactive material. It wouldn't cause a nuclear explosion. But it would spread dangerous dust over a wide area. This dust could make people sick.
Why This Book Matters
The authors of the book believe these threats are real. They say that governments need to take them seriously. The book suggests that the United States government had not fully prepared for these dangers. It encourages leaders to think about new ways to protect people.
Who Wrote the Book?
- Charles D. Ferguson: He is an expert on nuclear issues. He has worked with many important groups.
- William C. Potter: He is a professor and a leading expert. He studies how to stop the spread of nuclear weapons.
- Amy Sands: She is also an expert in this field. She helps to lead studies on global security.
These authors worked together to research and write this important book. They wanted to help people understand the dangers. They also wanted to find ways to make the world safer.
Images for kids
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The cover of the book The Four Faces of Nuclear Terrorism.
