Fatwas for fission: Assessing the terrorist threat to Pakistan’s nuclear assets

Abstract

PakistanÕs nuclear assets may be tempting targets for terrorists. Experts are split, however, on the actual threat posed. Some assert that PakistanÕs nuclear assets are on the verge of seizure by terrorists, while others contend that the risk is minimal at best. Because neither side develops robust or holistic threat assessments, however, American decision makers, who wisely include open sources when evaluating possible threats emanating from PakistanÕs nuclear infrastructure, are not adequately informed. Thus, the author maintains that the real threat assessment is yet to be madeÑone that goes beyond merely considering assumed terrorist capability and putative vulnerabilities.

Anti-corruption Institutions and Governmental Change in Pakistan

“…In much of the recent research in security studies, Pakistan has been viewed as a serious threat to the region and the world because of the risk posed by terrorist groups potentially gaining access to the country's nuclear explosives (Blair 2011, Clarke 2013. Comparative political studies portray full democracy as a cure for extremism (Brooks 2009), bad governance (Stockemer 2009) and corruption (Rock 2009).…”