Report
Terror Unleashed: An assessment of global and national impacts of a nuclear terrorist attack
A call for awareness and action
An assessment of the worldwide consequences of nuclear terrorism and priorities for prevention and preparedness.
Summary
This report examines how a hypothetical nuclear terrorist attack could spread disruption worldwide across security, international relations, the economy and society. It assesses differences among country groups and recommends measures for prevention, preparedness and response.
It is intended to help policymakers understand the threat to their national interests and act collectively, including in countries without nuclear weapons or weapons-usable materials.
Sponsored by LALN and NTI.
Key Messages
- A nuclear terrorist attack would have worldwide consequences. Global interdependence would transmit disruption far beyond the target country. The report treats the scenario as low probability but high risk because of its potential damage, challenging the assumption that distant countries have little stake in prevention.
- The security crisis could escalate beyond the initial attack. Attribution, suspected state involvement, and government responses would shape subsequent events. Heightened distrust could fuel military escalation, weaken disarmament commitments and, in the worst case, lead to nuclear exchanges between states.
- Economic disruption would reach countries with very different profiles. Trade and financial links could spread recession, reduce investment and increase poverty. Less developed countries would also face shortages and declining humanitarian assistance as resources shifted toward reconstruction and security.
- Prevention requires action by every country. The report calls for common nuclear security standards, international accountability, protection of civilian and non-civilian nuclear assets, and reductions in weapons-usable materials. Countries without such materials also need to address institutional weaknesses and illicit trafficking.
- Preparedness must protect institutions, essential services and people. Crisis protocols should preserve decision-making, payment systems, basic supplies and humanitarian assistance. Clear public communication and safeguards for rights are needed to limit panic, misinformation and social fragmentation.