The forgotten weapon of mass destruction

Book Review: Death Dust: The Rise, Decline, and Future of Radiological Weapons Programs, by William C Potter, Sarah Bidgood, Samuel Meyer, and Hanna Notte (Stanford University Press, 2023).

Radiological weapons, which are weapons designed to disperse radioactivity without a nuclear explosion, receive little attention compared to nuclear and chemical weapons. But Dust of Death: The Rise, Decline, and Future of Radiological Weapons Programs brings new clarity to the worrying potential of radiological warfare. Through a series of case studies, the authors shed light on the reasons behind the pursuit and eventual abandonment of these weapons by states such as the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Egypt and Iraq.

They explore the unique motivations and strategic calculations that led these countries to pursue radiological weapons, despite the international community's general aversion to them, identifying patterns and gaps and offering valuable lessons for policymakers and to academics to understand the potential proliferation of these weapons in the future. .

The case studies highlight the historical motivations behind the pursuit of radiological weapons, such as the desire to gain strategic advantage without resorting to full-scale nuclear war. However, technical difficulties are hampering the development of devices intended to spread radioactive materials over large areas. International pressure also played a role. The United Kingdom ultimately abandoned its radiological weapons program due to the difficulties in achieving the desired strategic effects and the moral implications of developing such weapons. The history of international concern over Iraq's attempts to create a radiological weapon under Saddam Hussein's regime is also well reviewed.

But the real value of this story lies in understanding the current state of radiological weapons programs and the possibility of their resurgence. Geopolitical tensions such as those created by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the potential search for inexpensive, unconventional tools of warfare underscore the need for continued vigilance and preventative measures.

Detailed analysis of past programs provides valuable lessons on the potential consequences of radiological weapons and the need to integrate them into international non-proliferation efforts.

The book's warning goes beyond government actions and also highlights the challenges of controlling and securing radiological materials, which can be found in civilian industries around the world, potentially making them accessible to non-governmental actors. states.

Technological obstacles to the development of radiological weapons remain high, but there is a gap in the non-proliferation regime as the treaties are not comprehensive and specific to radiological weapons. International oversight is also lacking.

The challenge for the international community is to take practical steps to address the threat posed by radiological weapons, with the book advocating stricter security measures, better tracking of radiological materials and increased public awareness of the risks associated with these weapons. International security and arms control programs cannot afford to ignore the danger. This in-depth work by all contributors is a remarkable addition to the discourse.