Abstract
Nuclear terrorism has emerged as one of the principal concerns for states maintaining nuclear
weapons technology as well as states maintaining peaceful nuclear programs. The idea is that
non-state entities, in pursuance of their goals of achieving maximum tactical leverage over states,
aspire to either jeopardize nuclear facilities as a means to warrant a radiological anomaly or
would, in worst case scenario, acquire or construct weaponized devices. The concept of
Improvised Nuclear Device (IND) or Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) is both argued as a
plausibility and as a reality in current global technological layout. More specified to South Asia,
where non-state entities are allegedly employed for transnational target acquisition and the where
the security paradigms are hampered by technological inferiority, it is speculatively concluded
that chances of such occurrences are marginally higher as compare to other nations.
Vulnerabilities of South Asia pertaining to radiological terrorism are extended
internationally based upon proliferation patterns in South Asia, utilization of proxies for
achievement of leverage, comparative technological inferiority of nuclear facilities and auxiliary
systems, spread and introduction of terrorism in South Asia, lack of understanding of nuclear
terrorism and inability to proactively participate in international non-proliferation regimes and
designs. Important considerations in these regards would then have to focus on efficacy of
security infrastructure from production to disposal and from civilian to military nuclear
installations. Where in South Asia, states have maintained secrecy and state control over nuclear
installations, radiological terrorism seems a highly unlikely scenario postulation but being
cautious is still operationally necessary.
Key Words Radiological Terrorism, South Asia, Security, Nuclear facilities
Iram Khalid , Arifa Kayani. (2017) Nuclear Terrorism in South Asia: Potential Threats/Challenges and Options: Post 9/11 Analysis, South Asian Studies, Volume 32, Issue 1.
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