Nuclear Proliferation and Terrorism in the Post-9/11 World

This book meets the need for textbook covering nuclear proliferation and related issues post 9/11 from a scientific standpoint. It draws in part on the author’s previous titlePhysics of Societal Issues, but offers a far more detailed view of nuclear weapons, nuclear proliferation and international nuclear policy.
The book begins with an introduction to the fundamental science and technology of nuclear weapons, adopting a concept-led approach which serves a broad readership. A technical background is not assumed and equations are kept to a minimum. In the following chapters the author addresses topics including offensive and defensive missile systems, command and control, verification, weapon effects, and nuclear testing. A chronology of nuclear arms development is presented including detailed discussion of the Cold War, proliferation, and arms control treaties. In the final chapters the author addresses some key issues facing the world post 9/11, including the threat of nuclear terrorism.
The book is tailored to courses on nuclear proliferation and international policy, and has been written to appeal to students regardless of their technical background. The general reader will also find it a fascinating introduction to the science and strategy behind international nuclear policy in the modern era.

David Hafemeister is Professor (emeritus) of Physics at Cal Poly University. He was employed on national security matters by Senator John Glenn (1975-77), State Department (Special Assistant to Under Sec. of State on nuclear proliferation, 1977-79, 1987), Senate Committees on Foreign Relations (1990-92) and Governmental Affairs (1992-93), Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (1997), Study Director at the National Academy of Sciences (2000–2) and Stanford University Center for International Security and Cooperation (2005-06). He was the lead SFRC technical staff on the ratification of TTBT, CFE and START. His book, Physics of Societal Issues (Springer, 2007) attempts to quantify what is quantifiable. He was chair of the Los Alamos Nonproliferation-Division Review Committee (2003--06).