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: Paperback / softback
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 target both civilian and military populations without distinction.

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 triggering a nuclear explosion. 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 robust international regulations, enhanced surveillance and detection capabilities, and strong diplomatic efforts to prevent the spread of these weapons. The authors also call for increased research and development into alternative security strategies, such as missile defense and disarmament agreements, to reduce the reliance on RW.

"Death Dust" serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers associated with the proliferation of radiological weapons and the need for global cooperation to address this threat. By examining the historical, political, and technological factors that have shaped the development of RW, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of nuclear security and offers practical solutions to mitigate the risks associated with these weapons.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 150 x 228 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503637658