Description
Book SynopsisMaking a timely contribution to the legal literature, this important book discusses an under-analysed issue of great importance to international peace and security. It provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the prevention of nuclear terrorism specifically through an international (arms control) law lens.
Jonathan Herbach sets out a basis for better understanding how the international legal framework for nuclear security is structured and why it is structured that way, and offers a critical analysis of the component instruments that make up the framework. He highlights the strengths and analyzes possible gaps and weaknesses of these instruments and the legal framework as a whole, as well as explaining the framework’s key characteristics, approaches and rationale. As nuclear security is by no means a static topic, with changing circumstances a defining feature of the area, the book also offers ideas for the path forward and conceptualizes ways to further strengthen the nuclear security legal framework.
Offering a fresh perspective on the prevention of nuclear terrorism, this book will benefit academics and students of public international law, counter-terrorism and conflict and security law. It will also be a useful resource for governmental legal advisors, think-tanks and diplomats to inform their work on means and mechanisms to help strengthen the global nuclear security regime and to provide guidance for decision-making.
Trade Review‘With the prospect of a possible tactical nuclear attack by Russia if it loses in the Ukraine war a real possibility, the subject of nuclear terrorism is once again at the top of governments’ national security concerns, especially if Russia were to utilise a terrorist group proxy to carry out such an attack. This important book provides a comprehensive examination of how nuclear terrorism can be prevented through various measures, including an international arms control regime (ACR). The author explains how an ACR is structured, its key characteristics, its strengths, weaknesses, and gaps, and future directions for strengthening it.’ -- Joshua Sinai, Perspectives on Terrorism Journal
‘Jonathan Herbach has written a masterly account of the place of nuclear security, particularly prevention of nuclear terrorism, in the broader context of nuclear arms control. While focused on international law aspects, this book is invaluable reading for policymakers, diplomats, officials and others interested in nuclear security. It is an essential introduction for newcomers to this subject, and an insightful reference work for experts.’ -- John Carlson, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation and Australian Sherpa to the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit
Table of ContentsContents: 1. Arms control law approach to countering nuclear terrorism 2. Developing the law of nuclear security: from Atoms for Peace to the Nuclear Security Summits 3. The main legally binding instruments applicable to nuclear security 4. Nuclear security at the crossroads of arms control and criminal justice 5. Normative soft law instruments in the nuclear security law framework 6. The role of international organizations in nuclear security 7. The way forward: strengthening the international legal framework for nuclear security Bibliography Index
