Death Dust: The Rise, Decline, and Future of Radiological Weapons Programs

During the postwar period, there was an increased interest in developing radiological weapons (RW) that could discriminate between civilian and military targets. Death Dust examines the history of RW development through comparative case studies and explores the drivers and impediments to innovation, as well as the impact of geopolitical events on nuclear deterrence and nonproliferation. It offers practical steps to reduce the likelihood of a resurgence of interest in RW.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2023
Publisher: Stanford University Press

The postwar era witnessed a growing fascination with the concept of radiological munitions, which were designed to be relatively easy to manufacture but possessed devastatingly lethal capabilities. These weapons were intended to strike both civilian and military targets indiscriminately.

In their book, "Death Dust," the authors delve into the largely unexplored history of the development of radiological weapons (RW), which are weapons capable of dispersing radioactive material without the occurrence of a nuclear detonation. Through a series of comparative case studies spanning the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, Iraq, and Egypt, the authors shed light on the historical factors that drove and hindered the innovation of RW. They also examine how emerging geopolitical events, such as the war in Ukraine, could potentially encourage other states to pursue RW and assess the impact of their proliferation on nuclear deterrence and the nonproliferation regime.

The book offers practical and essential measures to minimize the likelihood of a resurgence of interest in and pursuit of radiological weapons by state actors. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening international regulations, promoting transparency and accountability in the nuclear industry, and enhancing surveillance and detection capabilities to prevent the unauthorized acquisition and use of RW.

Furthermore, "Death Dust" raises awareness about the catastrophic consequences of RW use, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and collective action to prevent the proliferation of these weapons and safeguard the security and well-being of humanity. By examining the historical, political, and technological aspects of RW development, the book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on nuclear security and nonproliferation.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503636668