Sensitive Nuclear Information: Challenges and Options for Control

Wyn Q. Bowen

Professor Wyn Bowen, King’s College London, is the Director of the Centre for Science and Security Studies . read more

Christopher Hobbs

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This article starts by discussing sensitive nuclear information and how malicious non-state actors could exploit this to facilitate acts of nuclear terror. Our analysis shows that there is a significant information security challenge in this area due to the diversity of sensitive information, the different communities within which it resides and the range of mechanisms by which it could be transferred. We then turn our attention to assessing different steps that could be taken to protect sensitive nuclear information. Here there are limits to the effectiveness of international instruments and national laws and consequently bottom-up initiatives designed to promote responsible self-governance should be developed and supported.