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Disarmament Glossary
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Abolition 2000
Founded in 1995 during the NPT Review and Extension Conference, Abolition 2000 is an international non-governmental global network working for a treaty to eliminate nuclear weapons within a time-bound framework. A coalition of over 2,000 organizations from 90 different countries that work both independently and in concert to accomplish the goal of nuclear abolition through an eleven point program.
Active Defenses
Active defenses use weapons systems or countermeasures to blunt an attack as it is taking place. Anti-ballistic-missile defenses are the most visible and most controversial example today.
Additional Protocol
The Additional Protocol is a legal document granting the IAEA complementary inspection authority to that provided in underlying safeguards agreements. A principal aim is to enable the IAEA inspectorate to provide assurance about both declared and possible undeclared activities. Under the Protocol, the IAEA is granted expanded rights of access to information and sites, as well as additional authority to use the most advanced technologies during the verification process.
Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM)
The ACM (Advanced Cruise Missile) is the US Air Force's current nuclear-armed air-launched cruise missile. This low-observable strategic missile includes an inertial guidance system, a laser-based mapping system, and other features to improve accuracy and penetration ability. Armed with a W80 warhead, it is designed to evade air and ground-based defenses in order to strike heavily defended and hardened targets at any location within any potential enemy's territory. They have a range of 3,000 km. The US currently has a total of 460 ACMs.
African Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone
See Treaty of Pelindaba below.
Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL)
OPANAL is an inter-governmental agency created by the Treaty of Tlatelolco to ensure that the obligations of the treaty are met. OPANAL also supervises all the contracting parties' compliance with the Treaty of Tlatelolco
Agreed Framework
The 1994 agreement between the United States and North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea, DPRK) to "freeze" the DPRK nuclear program. The agreement outlined a 10-year program during which the United States, South Korea and Japan would construct two new proliferation-resistant, light-water-moderated nuclear reactors in the DPRK in exchange for the shutting down of all its existing nuclear facilities. In addition, the DPRK agreed to remain a party to the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and accept International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) full-scope safeguards. The multilateral Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) would oversee implementation of the agreement.
Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Moon Agreement)
The Moon agreement was opened for signature on December 18, 1979, and entered into force on July 11, 1984. The agreement supplemented the Outer Space Treaty and confirmed the demilitarization of the moon and other celestial bodies. Activities on the moon are limited to peaceful purposes.
Air Defenses
Systems deployed to defend territory or troops from attack by aircraft or cruise missiles.
Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM)
A missile designed to be launched from an aircraft and jet-engine powered throughout its flight. As with all cruise missiles, ALCM range is a function of payload, propulsion, and fuel volume and therefore can vary greatly. Under the START I Treaty, the term "long-range ALCM" means an air-launched cruise missile with a range in excess of 600 kilometers.
Al-Qa'ida
An Islamic terrorist organization led by Osama bin Laden. Al-Qa'ida means "the base" in Arabic and acts as an umbrella organization for a number of terrorist groups around the world. Al-Qa'ida is considered to be responsible for a number of attacks against Americans, including the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
Antarctic Treaty
This Treaty was opened for signature on December 1, 1959, and entered into force on June 23, 1961. The Antarctic Treaty internationalizes and demilitarizes the Antarctic continent. It specifies that Antarctica be used for peaceful purposes only; all activities of a military nature, including testing of any type of weapon, are prohibited. No military activities, armaments, or prohibited nuclear activities have been observed on the continent during inspections by member states since the treaty went into force. As of August 2001, there were 44 member states to the Antarctic Treaty.
Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty
The ABM Treaty, which was signed by the United States and the former Soviet Union on May 26, 1972, and entered into force on October 3, 1972, constrained strategic missile defenses to a total of 200 launchers and interceptors per country- 100 at each of two widely separated deployment areas. These restrictions were intended to prevent the establishment of a nationwide defense of the creation of a base for deploying such a defense. The treaty was modified in 1974, reducing the number of ABM deployment areas permitted each side from two to one and the number of ABM launchers and interceptors from 200 to 100. The United States withdrew from the treaty in 2001.
Anti-Satellite Weapon
A system designed to destroy or disable enemy satellites in orbit.
Arms control
Any unilateral or multilateral measure taken to reduce or control any aspect of either a weapon system or armed forces. Such reductions or limitations might affect the size, type, configuration, production, or performance characteristics of a weapon system, or the size, organization, equipment, deployment, or employment of armed forces.
Arms Control and Regional Security in the Middle East (ACRS)
The Madrid Peace Conference in October 1991 established a multilateral working group on Arms Control and Regional Security. The ACRS working group, along with four other multilateral working groups, was created to complement bilateral negotiations between Israel and its immediate neighbors. Since 1992, 13 Arab states, Israel, a Palestinian delegation, and a number of extra-regional entities have participated in plenary and intercessional meetings focusing on both conceptual and operational confidence-building and arms control measures applicable to the Middle East. However, the lack of universal membership in the region (neither Iran nor Iraq is a party to the ACRS) and complications in the peace process have hindered progress. The agreed measures have not been implemented, and ACRS has not held a formal plenary meeting since September 1995.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on August 8, 1967 in Bangkok by the five original member countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand). Brunei Darussalam joined on January 8, 1984, Vietnam on July 28, 1995, Laos and Myanmar on July 23, 1997, and Cambodia on April 30 1999. The objectives of the ASEAN include the acceleration of economic growth and the promotion of regional peace and stability. During the Fifth ASEAN Summit in 1995, the Treaty of Bangkok, the NWFZ in Southeast Asia, was opened for signature.
Atom
The smallest particle of an element which cannot be divided or broken up by chemical means and has all the chemical properties of that element. It consists of a central core of protons and neutrons, called the nucleus. Electrons revolve in orbits in the region surrounding the nucleus. It is the fundamental building block of elements.
Atomic
Pertaining to an atom, the smallest part of an element that has all the properties of that element, composed of a nucleus of protons and neutrons with a number of electrons orbiting the nucleus.
Atomic bomb
A weapon that uses fissile material in isotopes of uranium or plutonium to provide explosive power.
Atomic energy
Energy released in nuclear reactions. Of particular interest is the energy released when a neutron initiates the breaking up or fissioning of an atom's nucleus into smaller pieces (fission), or when two nuclei are joined together under millions of degrees of heat (fusion). It is more correctly called nuclear energy.
Atoms for Peace
The U.S. program announced by President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the United Nations in December 8, 1953, to share nuclear materials and technology for peaceful purposes with other countries. This program required countries receiving nuclear materials to agree to inspections of the transferred technology to ensure it was not used for military purposes. The program was formally established in 1954, following the passage of the Atomic Energy Act.
Ballistic missile
A missile that travels to its target unpowered and unguided after being launched at a velocity such that it will follow a flight trajectory to a desired point. Part of the flight of longer-range ballistic missiles may occur outside the atmosphere and involve the "reentry" of the missile.
Ballistic missile defense (BMD)
All active and passive measures designed to detect, identify, track, and defeat attacking ballistic missiles, in both strategic and theater tactical roles, during any portion of their flight trajectory (boost, post-boost, mid-course, or terminal phase) or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. [See WMD 411 Issues in Debate: Limiting the Use of WMD through BMD]
Baruch Plan
The U.S. initiative to outlaw nuclear weapons and to internationalize global stocks of fissile material for use in peaceful nuclear programs. After Bernard Baruch proposed the plan in 1946 at the United Nations, the United States and Soviet Union held negotiations on the program but never reached agreement. The United States insisted on retaining control of its nuclear weapons while all fissile material was put under international control, while the Soviet Union demanded that the United States cede its weapons to international control before other countries gave up their fissile material. The United States also wanted sanctions for noncompliance as part of the regime, while the Soviet Union objected.
Beta particle
A charged particle emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay, with a mass equal to 1/1837 that of a proton. A negatively charged beta particle is identical to an electron. A positively charged beta particle is called a positron. Large amounts of beta radiation may cause skin burns, and beta emitters are harmful if they enter the body. Beta particles may be stopped by thin sheets of metal or plastic.
Belligerent reprisal
An enforcement measure under the law of armed conflict consisting of an act that would otherwise be unlawful but which is justified as a response to the unlawful acts of a enemy. The sole purpose of a reprisal is to induce the enemy to cease its illegal activity and to comply with the law of armed conflict. Reprisals may be taken against enemy armed forces, enemy civilians other than those in occupied territory, and enemy property.
Bilateral
Negotiations, arrangements, agreements, or treaties that affect or are between two parties, countries, etc.
Bombers
Aircraft carrying conventional or nuclear bombs or conventionally or nuclear-armed cruise missiles for use against ground targets.
Boost-phase
That part of the ballistic missile flight path that begins at launch and lasts up to five minutes for a primitive liquid-fueled inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) or as little as 80 seconds for an advanced solid-fueled ICBM. During boost phase, the booster and sustainer engines operate, and warheads have not yet been deployed.
Boosted fission nuclear weapon
A nuclear weapon that relies primarily on fission, but gets some of its power from fusion.
Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials (ABACC)
This bilateral safeguards agency was established under an agreement between Argentina and Brazil to verify the exclusively peaceful use of nuclear energy in each country. The agreement establishing the agency was signed in Guadalajara, Mexico, on July 18, 1991.
Bunker Busters
Officially known as the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator, the bunker buster would penetrate deep into the earth before detonating. This would decrease the fallout of the explosion and perhaps make nuclear weapons a "usable" to reach bunkers and underground targets that cannot be accessed by conventional weapons.
Cairo Declaration on the Denuclearization of Africa
The Declaration on the Denuclearization of Africa was adopted at the first Assembly of Heads of States and Government of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in Cairo in July 1964. The declaration called upon all states to respect the continent of Africa as a nuclear-weapon-free zone, and committed the African states to negotiate an international agreement, to be concluded under the auspices of the United Nations, not to manufacture or control atomic weapons. The declaration was submitted to the United Nations General Assembly during its session of 1965.
Canberra Commission on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
Established by Australia in November 1995, the commission was created to develop ideas and propose practical steps to create a nuclear weapon free world, including the related problem of maintaining stability and security during the transitional period and after this goal is achieved. On August 31, 1996, the Commission presented its findings to the Australian government, which then submitted the Canberra Report to the UN General Assembly and to the Conference on Disarmament.
Central and Eastern Europe NWFZ
In July 1996, Belarus and Ukraine called for a Central and Eastern European NWFZ. However, several countries in the area were interested in joining NATO and opposed to the proposal. Poland at the 1998 NPT Preparatory Committee, in a letter addressed to the chairman of the PrepCom on behalf of nine of the key states (Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Slovenia) which would comprise such a zone, opposed the idea as "incompatible with our sovereign resolve to contribute to, and benefit from the new European security architecture...;"
Central Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (CANWFZ)
The CANWFZ includes all the five Central Asian states: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The foreign ministers of the five countries signed the treaty establishing the zone on September 8th, 2006 at the former Soviet nuclear test site in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan. Discussions about establishing a CANWFZ first began when Mongolia declared its single-state nuclear-weapon-free status in 1992. In its declaration, Mongolia also called for a Central Asian regional NWFZ.. The Uzbek president first proposed the establishment of the CANWFZ in 1993 at the United Nations General Assembly. The Almaty Declaration issued by the five presidents of the Central Asian states on February 27, 1997, endorsed the creation of the CANWFZ. Although the five states agreed upon the draft treaty text in September 2002 and finalized it in February 2005.
Chain reaction (fission)
A process taking place in an atomic bomb or nuclear reactor in which one fission event releases neutrons and energy. The neutrons in turn produce more fissions releasing more energy and forming a chain of nuclear fissions.
Challenge inspection
An inspection triggered by a suspected violation of a treaty or agreement. For example, under the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE), the challenge inspection provision allows parties to inspect a specific and limited area beyond those sites already listed. This provision increases the likelihood of detecting weapons at sites not declared in the data exchanged under the treaty. The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) allows for a team of international inspectors to inspect on a very short notice a party's facility suspected of violating the CWC.
Charged particle
An elementary particle carrying a positive or negative electric charge.
CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)
The agency tasked with coordinating the United State's intelligence activities and correlating, evaluating, and disseminating intelligence that affects national security. Created in 1947 with the signing of the National Security Act by President Truman, the CIA is an independent agency responsible to the president through the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI).
Command, control, communication and intelligence (C3I)
Command, control, communications, and intelligence systems are integrated combinations of military command information processing, communications network, and intelligence gathering subsystems (including surveillance, warning, and identification subsystems). These combined technologies are designed to provide timely and adequate data required to plan, direct, and control military forces and operations.
Compliance provisions
Enforcement provisions included in a treaty or legally binding agreement to ensure that parties abide by the requirements or restrictions set out in the treaty. Compliance provisions include inspection measures to confront state parties suspected of treaty violations and lists of sanctions that can be imposed on any state party that has violated its obligations.
Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
Opened for signature in 1996 at the UN General Assembly, this international treaty prohibits all nuclear explosions. The treaty establishes the CTBT Organization (CTBTO) to verify compliance with the treaty through a global monitoring system once it enters into force. Entry into force is contingent on the ratification of 44 states with nuclear reactors on their territories. As of January 2006, of the 44 required, 11 have yet to ratify the treaty including the United States and China. India, Pakistan, and North Korea have not signed it yet.
Conference on Disarmament (CD)
Group of states formed in 1979 following the first Special Session on Disarmament of the UN General Assembly held in 1978. As of July 2005, the CD has 66 member states, with a further 37 having observer status. The CD reports to the General Assembly annually or more frequently as appropriate. Although the CD concerns itself with practically all issues involving multilateral arms control, it currently focuses its attention on the following issues: effective international arrangements to assure non-nuclear weapon states against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons; prevention of an arms race in outer space; negotiations on a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices; and transparency in conventional armaments production and transfer.
Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs)
Tools that adversarial states can use to reduce tensions and avert the possibility of military conflict. Such tools include communication agreements (e.g., "hot lines" or direct lines between capitals), constraints (e.g., demilitarized zones), transparency (e.g., data exchanges), and verification (e.g., on-site inspections) measures. CBMs normally precede the negotiation of formal arms control agreements or are added to arms control agreements to strengthen them.
Contamination
Undesired radioactive material that is deposited on the surface of or inside structures, areas, objects or people.
Containment structure
A gaslight shell or other enclosure around a nuclear reactor to confine fission products that otherwise might be released to the atmosphere in the event of an accident.
Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material
Provisions of this convention oblige parties to ensure that during international transport across their territory or on ships or aircraft under their jurisdiction, nuclear materials for peaceful purposes (plutonium, uranium (U-235, U-233 and irradiated fuel) are protected at the agreed levels. The convention also provides a framework for international cooperation on the protection, recovery, and return of stolen nuclear material and on the application of criminal sanctions against persons who commit crimes involving nuclear material. It opened for signature on March 3, 1980 and entered info force on February 8, 1987. As of September 2005, there are 115 parties (including Euratom) to the convention; in addition, 45 states have signed but not ratified the convention.
Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty
This treaty was opened for signature to a total of 23 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Warsaw Pact states on November 19, 1990. It entered into force on November 9, 1992, and is of unlimited duration. It has since been adapted to accommodate the break-up of the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia, raising its membership to 30 states. The treaty allows each side equal numbers of battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery pieces, attack helicopters, and combat aircraft. The purpose of the treaty is threefold: to promote security and stability in Europe through verifiable lower levels of conventional armed forces; to eliminate disparities prejudicial to this objective; and to reduce the capability for launching surprise attacks initiating large-scale offensives.
Conventional forces
Armed troops that operate non-WMD weapons such as tanks, artillery, and tactical aircraft.
Conventional weapons
Weapons and military equipment, including aircraft, tanks, and artillery, that use non-nuclear explosives or kinetic energy to damage targets.
Coolant
A substance circulated through a nuclear reactor to remove or transfer heat. The most commonly used coolant in the United States is water. Other coolants include heavy water, air, carbon dioxide, helium, liquid sodium, and a sodium-potassium alloy.
Cooperative Treat Reduction (CTR)
A U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) program established in 1992 by the U.S. Congress, sponsored primarily by Senators Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar. This program remains the largest and most diverse U.S. program addressing the former Soviet weapons of mass destruction threats. The program has focused primarily on (1) destroying vehicles for delivering nuclear weapons, their launchers (such as silos and submarines), and their related facilities; (2) securing former Soviet nuclear weapons and their components; and (3) destroying Russian chemical weapons. The term is sometimes used generically to refer to all U.S. nonproliferation programs in the former Soviet Union, including those implemented by the U.S. Departments of Energy, Commerce, and State.
Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM)
Based in Paris, this organization was established in 1949 to restrict the sale of goods to Warsaw Pact countries. Its 17 members were Japan and all the NATO states except Iceland. Following the end of the Cold War, many of COCOM's restrictions on Eastern Europe were lifted. COCOM ceased to exist in 1994, and in 1995 the organization was superceded by the Wassenaar Arrangement On Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Duel-Use Goods and Technologies.
Core
The central portion of a nuclear reactor containing the fuel elements, moderator, neutron poisons, and support structures.
Counterproliferation
Military efforts to combat proliferation, including the application of military power to protect forces and interests, intelligence collection, and analysis.
Crisis instability
A condition where small events or minor conflicts can cause very large disturbances or escalate to major conflicts within the international system.
Critical mass
The minimum amount of concentrated fissionable material required to sustain a chain reaction.
Cruise missile
An unmanned self-propelled guided vehicle that sustains flight through aerodynamic lift for most of its flight path. A cruise missile may deliver a conventional or nuclear warhead.
Cruise missile submarines (SSGN)
SSGN is the United States Navy hull classification symbol for a nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine. The SS denotes a submarine, the G denotes "guided missile," and the N denotes nuclear power. The US Navy is modifying the four oldest Ohio class Trident submarines to SSGN configuration. The Soviet Navy had several submarines that were called SSGNs by Western observers. These were either carrying ship killing missiles like the SS-N-19 or land attack missiles. They included the NATO reporting names Golf, Echo, Yankee Notch, and Oscar classes of submarine. Many of these Russian submarines and nuclear reactors have not been properly decommissioned and pose a proliferation risk.
CTR (Cooperative Threat Reduction) Program
A U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) program established in 1992 by the U.S. Congress, sponsored primarily by Senators Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar. The program remains the largest and most diverse U.S. program addressing former Soviet weapons of mass destruction threats. The program has focused primarily on (1) destroying vehicles for delivering nuclear weapons, their launchers (such as silos and submarines), and their related facilities; (2) securing former Soviet nuclear weapons and their components; and (3) destroying Russian chemical weapons. The term is sometimes used generically to refer to all U.S. nonproliferation programs in the former Soviet Union, including those implemented by the U.S. Departments of Energy, Commerce, and State.
De-activate
To remove a weapon from operational status for an indefinite period. Used synonymously with "de-alert" in referring to nuclear missiles.
De-alert
To reduce the level of readiness to launch of nuclear weapons systems. Measures include removing nuclear warheads from missiles and storing the warheads separately from the missiles.
De-targeting
Removing the targeting information, or substituting ocean-area target coordinates, from a ballistic missile so that an accidental or unintentional launch will not result in a nuclear catastrophe. It is largely symbolic because de-targeting can not be verified and because missiles can be quickly retargeted.
Decolonization
The process of granting independence to a territory that previously has been governed as a colony.
Decontamination
The reduction or removal of contaminating radioactive material from a structure, area, object or person. Decontamination may be accomplished by: 1) treating the surface to remove or decrease the contamination; 2) letting the material stand so that the radioactivity is decreased as a result of natural radioactive decay; or 3) covering the contamination to shield or attenuate the radiation emitted.
Defensive
An action taken or intended to protect or defend.
Deliver (a weapon)
To place a warhead or munition on its target.
Deployment
The placement of weapons, personnel, or equipment in a combat-ready position.
Deterrence
The actions of a state or group of states to dissuade a potential adversary from initiating an attack or conflict by the threat of retaliation. Deterrence should credibly demonstrate to an adversary that the costs of an attack would be too great and would outweigh any potential gains.
Diffusion
A technique for uranium enrichment in which the lighter Uranium 235 isotopes in UF6 gas move through a porous barrier more rapidly than the heavier Uranium 238 isotopes.
Disarmament
There is no agreed upon legal definition of what disarmament actually entails within the context of international agreements. A general definition is the process of reducing the supply and strength of military weapons and/or military forces.
Dismantlement
The taking apart of weapons into parts to prevent its capability to work.
Diversion
The clandestine removal or appropriation of imported materials or technologies for use in projects or in weapons programs that violate requirements agreed to between the importing and exporting parties on how the materials and technologies must be used.
Downloading
The removal of some of the warheads from a multiple independently-targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) ballistic missile. Under the START I Treaty, both the United States and the Soviet Union can reduce the number of warheads attributed to intercontinental ballistic missiles and sea-launched ballistic missiles following treaty downloading procedures.
Dual-use item
An item that has both civilian and military applications. For example, many of the precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of chemical weapons have legitimate civilian industrial uses, such as the production of pesticides or ink for ballpoint pens.
Eighteen-Nation Disarmament Committee (ENDC)
The predecessor to the U.N. Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, the ENDC existed from 1962-1968, and hosted most of the negotiations of the NPT text. It consisted of five Western countries, five Eastern (Soviet bloc) countries, and eight non-aligned (in neither the U.S. nor Soviet camp) countries, with the United States and Soviet Union as co-chairs.
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)
A sharp pulse of radio-frequency (long wavelength) radiation produced when an explosion occurs in an asymmetrical environment, especially at or near the earth's surface or at high altitudes. The intense electric and magnetic fields can damage unprotected electrical and electronic equipment over a large area. It is now thought that a single high-altitude blast over the U. S. could seriously disrupt the nation's communications system, and perhaps shut down the entire power grid. At present, however, there is no known way of providing complete protection against the effect.
Electron
An elementary particle with a negative charge and a mass of 1/1837 that of the proton. Electrons surround the positively charged nucleus and determine the chemical properties of the atom.
Emit
To send out.
Enriched uranium
Uranium with an increased concentration of the isotope U-235. Natural uranium contains 0.7 percent U-235, whereas nuclear weapons typically require uranium enriched to 90 percent or more U-235. Nuclear power plant fuel typically uses uranium enriched to 3-5 percent U-235, material that is not sufficiently enriched to be used for nuclear weapons.
Entry into force
The moment at which all provisions of a treaty are legally binding on its parties. Every treaty specifies preconditions for its entry into force. For example, the NPT specified that it would enter into force after the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union (the Depository governments) and 40 other countries ratified the Treaty, an event that occurred on March 5, 1970.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
The EPA is a federal body whose mission is "to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment-air, water, and land-upon which life depends." The EPA provides leadership in the nation's environmental science research, education, and assessment efforts and can provide assistance in the event of a CBW terrorism incident.
European Atomic Energy Community
Launched in 1958 to facilitate the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes within the European Community.
Export control arrangements
Treaties, laws, or agreements established to restrict the sale of goods to certain countries or to ensure that safeguards or end-use guarantees are applied to the export and sale of sensitive technologies and materials.
Extended deterrence
Also known as a "nuclear umbrella", this process involves security derived through military protection from a nuclear power. A country protected from potential enemies by the nuclear weapons of an ally is said to be under extended deterrence. Through extended deterrence, countries allied with a nuclear weapon state hope to deter or avoid nuclear attack or threat from other countries.
Fallout
The process of the descent to the earth's surface of particles contaminated with radioactive material from a radioactive cloud. The term is also applied in a collective sense to the contaminated particulate matter itself. The early (or local) fallout is defined, somewhat arbitrarily, as those particles which reach the earth within 24 hours after a nuclear explosion. The delayed (or worldwide) fallout consists of the smaller particles which ascend into the upper troposphere and stratosphere, to be carried by winds to all parts of the earth. The delayed fallout is brought to earth, mainly by rain and snow, over extended periods ranging from months to years.
Fascism
A political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts a collective or group above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.
FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
The principal investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice. The mission of the FBI is to uphold the law through the investigation of violations of federal criminal law; to protect the United States from foreign intelligence and terrorist activities; to provide leadership and law enforcement assistance to federal, state, local, and international agencies; and to perform these responsibilities in a manner that is responsive to the needs of the public and is faithful to the Constitution of the United States.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
The U.S. federal agency in charge of helping people before and after a disaster. It is an executive branch agency that can be called upon to help when the president declares a disaster. The governor of the state must request assistance from the president before FEMA can respond. Disasters are "declared" after hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, or other similar events strike a community. In March 2003, FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security.
First Committee
The first of six Main Committees of the United Nations General Assembly which deals with all issues related to disarmament and international security. The First Committee on Disarmament and International Security meets every year in October for a four to five weeks session after the General Assembly general Debate.
First responders
Emergency personnel who are the first to arrive at the scene of an incident, including firefighters, police, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). In most cases, they will be the local authorities in the affected area.
First strike
The launch of a surprise attack to considerably weaken or destroy an adversary's military installations or nuclear forces and thus severely reduce its ability to attack or retaliate.
First-Use
The introduction of nuclear weapons, or other weapons of mass destruction, into a conflict. A "no-first-use" pledge obliges a nation not to be the first to use such weapons.
Fissile material
Fissionable material the nuclei of which are able to be split by neutrons of various speeds. Uranium-233, Uranium-235, and Plutonium-239 are all fissile materials. Fissile materials undergo fission more easily than other fissionable materials, and are more desirable for most reactor types and essential for nuclear explosives.
Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty
Treaty currently under discussion in the Conference on Disarmament (CD) to end the production of weapons-usable fissile material (highly enriched uranium and plutonium) for nuclear weapons.
Fission
The splitting of the nucleus of a heavy atom into two lighter nuclei. It is accompanied by the release of neutrons, X-rays, gamma rays, and kinetic energy of the fission products. It is usually triggered by collision with a neutron, but in some cases can be induced by protons and other particles or gamma rays.
Fission bomb
A nuclear bomb based on the concept of releasing energy through the fission (splitting) of heavy elements such as Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239.
Fission products
Nuclei formed by the fission of heavy elements. They are of medium atomic weight and almost all are radioactive. Examples: strontium-90, cesium-137.
Fleet ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)
A nuclear-powered submarine designed to deliver ballistic missile attacks against assigned targets from either a submerged or surfaced condition, which is designated as "SSBN."
Force structure
The configuration of a country's nuclear or conventional forces. In the United States and Russia, nuclear forces are structured in a triad, as nuclear warheads are deployed on bombers, land-based, and sea-based missiles.
Fuel cycle
The series of steps involved in supplying fuel for nuclear power reactors. It can include mining, milling, isotopic enrichment, fabrication of fuel elements, use in a reactor, chemical reprocessing to recover the fissionable material remaining in the spent fuel, re-enrichment of the fuel material, re-fabrication into new fuel elements, and waste disposal.
Full-scope safeguards
Safeguards that apply to all nuclear materials that could readily contribute to the development of nuclear weapons in a non-nuclear weapon state.
Fusion
Nuclear fusion is a type of nuclear reaction in which two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. For a fusion reaction to take place, the nuclei, which are positively charged, must have enough kinetic energy to overcome their electrostatic force of repulsion. Thermonuclear fusion of deuterium and tritium will produce a helium nucleus and an energetic neutron. This is one basis of the Hydrogen Bomb, which employs a brief, uncontrolled thermonuclear fusion reaction. A great effort is now under way to harness thermonuclear fusion as a source of power.
Fusion bomb
A nuclear bomb based on the fusing or burning of light elements. Fusion bombs use fission bombs for ignition.
Gamma radiation
High-energy, short wavelength, electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus. Gamma radiation frequently accompanies alpha and beta emissions and always accompanies fission. Gamma rays are very penetrating and are best stopped or shielded by dense materials, such as lead or depleted uranium. Gamma rays are similar to x-rays.
Garcia Robles, Alfonso
Alfonso Garcia Robles was one of the major architects of the establishment of the NWFZ in Latin America and the Caribbean. His diplomatic skills contributed to the successful negotiation of the Treaty of Tlatelolco. Garcia Robles also played a central role in the work to promote general disarmament in the UN organizations. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1982 because of his outstanding work in the field of disarmament.
Geneva Protocol
Formally known as the "Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare," this protocol prohibits the use in war of asphyxiating, poisonous, or other gases, and bans bacteriological warfare. It was opened for signature on June 17, 1925. As of April 2005, there were 133 parties to the protocol; in addition, 96 states have signed but not ratified the protocol. Most of the parties in joining the Geneva Protocol made reservations to the effect that they would abide by the terms of the protocol as long as other states did not resort to the use of chemical weapons. There are 42 states that have submitted such reservations.
Global Protection Against Limited Strikes (GPALS)
A change in the Strategic Defense Initiative mission from defense against a large-scale ballistic missile attack to providing protection against limited ballistic missile strikes.
Global Protection System (GPS)
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, a program discussed by U.S. President George Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin to establish a cooperative, multinational protection system against ballistic missile attack.
Global Strike Mission
A mission assigned to STRATCOM in January, 2003 with the goal of implementing and executing the US preemptive strike policy. This includes a preemptive nuclear strike if ordered to do so by the president.
G-8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of WMD
The G-8 Global Partnership was initiated at the 2002 G-8 summit at Kananaskis, and is intended to secure, dismantle and dispose of weapons of mass destruction and related materials and facilities in the former Soviet Union. Under the Global Partnership, the G-8 states, in addition to a number of other supporting states, including Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, and South Korea, have pledged to provide over $20 billion over ten years to accomplish these efforts.
Ground Based Interceptor (GBI)
The missile intercept of the proposed U.S. National Missile Defense (NMD) system, the GBI will intercept incoming ballistic missile warheads outside the earth's atmosphere (exo-atmospheric) and collide with the incoming ballistic missile, thereby destroying the missile. The NMD Battle Management, Command, Control, and Communication (BMC3) will transmit information on the location of the incoming missile to the GBI during its flight. The GBI would consist of a multi-stage solid propellant booster and an exo-atmospheric kill vehicle.
Gun-type weapon
A device in which two or more pieces of fissionable material, each less than a critical mass, are brought together very rapidly so as to form a supercritical mass which can explode as the result of a rapidly expanding fission chain reaction.
Half-life
The time in which one half of the atoms of a particular radioactive substance disintegrates. Measured half-lives vary from millionths of a second to billions of years. Also called physical or radiological half-life.
HEU deal
The United States and Russia concluded the Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) Purchase Agreement in 1993. Under the terms of the agreement, the United States will purchase 500 tons of HEU over a 20-year period from the former Soviet weapons program, dilute it to low-enriched uranium, and sell it as fuel for nuclear power plants on the commercial market. The HEU deal is also referred to as the "Megatons to Megawatts" program.
Hibakusha
Hibakusha is the term widely used in Japan referring to victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Japanese word translates literally to "explosion-affected people."
High alert
The state of readiness of nuclear forces sufficient to launch an immediate attack.
Highly enriched uranium (HEU)
Uranium in which the naturally occurring Uranium (U)-235 isotope (0.7 percent in natural uranium) is increased to 20 percent U-235 or above. In HEU used in nuclear weapons, the U-235 isotope is usually increased to 90 percent or more. HEU is used in nuclear weapons and in some types of research and submarine propulsion reactors.
Hiroshima
The city in Japan where the first atomic bomb, "little boy" was dropped on August 6, 1945. Over 140,000 civilians were killed.
Homeland Security (Department of)
New Cabinet-level Federal Agency created in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The Department's purpose is to consolidate all the activities of all pre-existing non-military government agencies concerned with border control, prevention of terrorism and emergency response.
Horizontal proliferation
The spread of weapons of mass destruction to states that have not previously possessed them.
Hydrogen bomb
A weapon that uses nuclear fusion to provide explosive power. Also referred to as a thermonuclear bomb.
Improvised nuclear device (IND)
A weapon that uses a simple, untested design to attempt to create a nuclear explosion.
Incentives
A motive or incitement to action. Positive incentives refer to rewards offered in exchange for a certain course of action. Negative incentives refer to punishments threatened if a forbidden course of action is taken.
Information Circular 26 (INFCIRC/26)
The first International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards system applicable to reactors rated less than 100 thermal megawatts, approved by the IAEA Board of Governors on January 31, 1961. It was revised in June 1963 to cover reactors of any size.
Information Circular 66 (INFCIRC/66)
The model safeguards agreement approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency in February 1965 to safeguard individual nuclear facilities. The guidelines were later revised to include reprocessing and fuel fabrication plants. It was most widely employed prior to the advent of nonproliferation treaties in the 1960s that required full-scope safeguards.
Information Circular 153 (INFCIRC/153)
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) document entitled "The Structure and Content of Agreements between the Agency and States Required in Connection with the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)." Established by the IAEA in April 1970 after the NPT entered into force. The document created the full-scope safeguards system whereby any non-nuclear weapon state party to the NPT agrees to establish and maintain a system of accounting and control of all nuclear material under its jurisdiction. Accordingly, non-nuclear weapon states who are party to or who have signed but not ratified the NPT must conclude a safeguards agreement with the IAEA.
Information Circular 540 (INFCIRC/540)
A document approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in May 1997, called the "Model Protocol Additional to the Agreement(s) between States(s) and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards," which supplements the INFCIRC/153. The Model Protocol grants IAEA inspectors additional physical access to sites of IAEA member states where nuclear material is or could be present, expands the use of unannounced inspections, and allows for collection of environmental samples. The provisions in the protocol are also known as the "Program 93+2".
Intelligence
Information and data collected by a government to learn about other states' capabilities and intentions.
Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
Ballistic missiles with ranges greater than 5,500 kilometers (3,400 miles).
Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty
This treaty between the United States and the former Soviet Union, signed on December 8, 1987, entered into force on June 1, 1988. It aimed to eliminate and ban all ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with a range of 300-3,400 miles (500-5,500 kilometers). The treaty required the United States and the Soviet Union to conduct inspections at each other's sites during the elimination of treaty-limited items (TLI). By May 1991, all intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles, launchers, related support equipment, and support structures were eliminated.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Founded in 1957 and based in Vienna, Austria, the IAEA is an autonomous international organization under the United Nations with 139 member states, as of January 2006. The IAEA is charged both with the control of nuclear technology to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation and the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Article III of the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) requires non-nuclear weapon states party to the NPT to accept safeguards administered by the IAEA. The 2005 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the IAEA.
International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missiles (ICOC)
A legally non-binding arrangement that was launched with the objective of preventing and curbing the proliferation of ballistic missile systems capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction. States adhering to the ICOC agree not to assist ballistic missile programs in countries suspected of developing biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons, as well as exhibit "restraint" in the development and testing of their own. As of January 2006, there are 123 subscribing states.
International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism
The General Assembly adopted the Nuclear Terrorism Convention in April 2005. It opened for signature on September 14, 2005. The Convention addresses the unlawful possession or use of nuclear devices or materials by non-state actors. The convention calls on states to develop a legal framework criminalizing offenses related to nuclear terrorism, as well as for international cooperation in nuclear terrorism investigations and prosecutions. The Convention will enter into force after 22 countries have ratified the Convention. As of September 2005, 89 countries have signed the Convention.
International Science and Technology Center (ISTC)
Established in 1992 by the European Community (now the EU), Japan, the Russian Federation, and the United States, the Moscow-based ISTC serves as a clearinghouse for developing, approving, financing, and monitoring projects aimed at engaging weapon scientists and engineers from the NIS in peaceful civilian science and technology activities. Through their projects, the ISTC contributes to ongoing efforts to stem the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Their larger goals include reinforcing the NIS countries' transition to a market-based economy responsive to civilian needs.
Irradiate
To expose to some form of radiation.
Isotope
Any two or more forms of an element having identical or very closely related chemical properties and the same atomic number (same number of protons in their nuclei) but different atomic weights or mass numbers (different number of neutrons in their nuclei). Uranium-238 and unraium-235 are isotopes of uranium.
Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula
In November 1991, the South Korean president declared that the Republic of Korea would not produce, possess, store, deploy, or use nuclear weapons. This declaration was a response to the decision by the United States to withdraw most of the tactical nuclear weapons deployed on the Korean Peninsula in September 1991. On January 20, 1992, both North and South Korea signed the Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, whereby both states agree not to "test, produce, receive, possess, store, deploy or use nuclear weapon; to use nuclear energy only for peaceful purposes; and not to possess facilities for nuclear reprocessing or uranium enrichment." The declaration entered into force on February 19, 1992. In order to implement the declaration, the two Koreas established the South-North Joint Nuclear Control Commission (JNCC). However, as the result of revelations about North Korea's nuclear program and failure to reach agreement on the reciprocal inspection regime, implementation has been stalled since 1993.
Kiloton
The energy of a nuclear explosion that is equivalent to the explosion of 1,000 tons of trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosive.
Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO)
KEDO was established in early 1995 to implement the 1994 Agreed Framework between the DPRK and United States. Its primary responsibilities were to finance and supply the agreed to light-water reactor (LWR) project, to provide heavy oil to the DPRK to meet its interim heating and electricity-generation needs, and to provide for the implementation of other measures required under the terms of the Agreed Framework. Thirteen states are members: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, the European Union, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, the Republic of Korea, the United States and Uzbekistan. However, due to DPRK's nuclear weapons development in violation of the 1994 Agreed Framework, the KEDO project has been suspended since November 2003.
Land-based missile systems
Missile systems located on land in hardened bunkers and underground silos or on mobile launchers, which are more vulnerable to first-strike attacks. The mobile land-based missile systems are less vulnerable to first-strike because the positions of the missiles can be changed.
Latin American Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone
See Treaty of Tlatelolco below.
Layered BMD system
A ballistic missile defense system that consists of several sets of weapons that operate at different phases in the trajectory of a ballistic missile. Thus, there could be a first layer (e.g., boost phase) of defense with remaining targets passed on to succeeding layers (e.g., midcourse and terminal).
Lethal dose
The dose of radiation expected to cause death to an exposed population within 30 days to 50 percent of those exposed.
Light-water reactor
A term used to describe reactors using ordinary water as coolant, including boiling water reactors (BWRs) and pressurized water reactors (PWRs), the most common types used in the United States.
Limited Test Ban Treaty
Another name for the Partial Test Ban Treaty.
Lisbon Protocol (START I Protocol) Signed on May 23, 1992, by the United States, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine, the protocol formalized the accession of all five parties to START I and committed the three non-Russian former Soviet republics to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as non-nuclear-weapon states. In addition to the protocol, the heads of the three non-Russian republics pledged in letters to U.S. President George Bush to eliminate all strategic weapons on their territories within the seven-year START I reduction period.
Low enriched uranium (LEU)
Uranium in which the naturally occurring U235 isotope is increased, to less than 20 percent and usually between two and four percent. LEU is used in nuclear fuel for reactors using natural (light) water as a moderator and coolant.
Low-yield Nuclear Earth Penetrator
This type of nuclear weapons is designed to penetrate into soil, rock, or concrete to deliver a nuclear warhead to a target. These weapons would be used to destroy hardened, underground military bunkers buried deep in the ground. In theory the amount of radioactive nuclear fallout would be reduced from that of a standard, air burst nuclear detonation because they would have relatively low explosive yield. However, because such weapons necessarily came into contact with large amounts of earth based debris, they may still generate considerable amounts of fallout, even with their reduced yields. Warhead yield and weapons design have changed periodically throughout the history of the design of such weapons. These weapons blur the distinction between conventional and nuclear weapons.
Material protection, control, and accountability (MPC&A)
An integrated system of physical protection, material accounting, and material control measures designed to deter, prevent, detect, and respond to unauthorized possession, use, or sabotage of nuclear materials. The U.S. Department of Energy's MPC&A program is implemented in cooperation with the Russian Atomic Energy Ministry and other agencies to install and upgrade physical protection systems at the nuclear energy and weapons production facilities in the successor states of the former Soviet Union.
Megaton (MT)
The energy equivalent released by 1,000 kilotons (1,000,000 tons) of trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosive. Typically used as the unit of measurement to express the amount of energy released by a nuclear bomb.
Mid-phase (or midcourse phase)
That part of the ballistic missile's flight when the re-entry vehicle and warhead travel freely through space outside the atmosphere. For an ICBM, this stage lasts about 20 minutes.
Middle Powers Initiative
A group of eight international NGOs that work with middle power countries including Brazil, Egypt, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sweden for nuclear disarmament. The middle powers are strong economic and political powers that have renounced the nuclear arms race.
Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons as well as Other Weapons of Mass Destruction
The concept of a NWFZ in the Middle East was first introduced by Iran and Egypt in 1974. In April 1990, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak proposed the establishment in the Middle East of a zone free of all types of weapons of mass destruction. Egypt submitted this proposal to the United Nations on April 16, 1990. Some Arab nations, however, expressed concern that the initiative might dilute Arab interests by allowing Israel to shift attention from nuclear weapons to other weapons of mass destruction. By the end of 1994, Egypt obtained support from Syria and Saudi Arabia for its position favoring the creation of the WMDFZ as an integral part of the peace process.
In the "Resolution on the Middle East" adopted at the 1995 NPT Review Conference, the concept of a Middle East Zone Free of WMD was endorsed by all NPT state parties.
Mini Nuke (Also see low yield nuclear earth penetrator)
A low- yield nuclear weapon that has less explosive power than regular nuclear weapons. These weapons are sometimes referred to as "usable nukes."
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
An informal arrangement established in April 1987 by an association of states concerned about the proliferation of missile equipments and technology relevant to missiles that are capable of carrying a payload over 500 kilograms over a 300-kilometer range. Though originally intended to restrict the proliferation of nuclear-capable missiles, the regime has been expanded to cover unmanned delivery systems capable of carrying all types of WMD. As of January 2006, the membership includes 34 states, while four others have committed to comply with MTCR guidelines.
Multiple independent reentry vehicles (MIRV)
An offensive ballistic missile system with multiple warheads, each of which can strike a separate target and can be launched by a single booster rocket.
Multilateral
Negotiations, agreements or treaties that effect or are between three or more parties, countries, etc.
Multilateral Approaches to the Nuclear Fuel Cycle
IAEA Director General, Mohamed Elbaradei suggested that wide dissemination of the most proliferation sensitive parts of the nuclear fuel cycle could be the "Achilles' heel" of the nuclear nonproliferation regime. Appointed by the Director General in June 2004, the expert group issued a commissioned report including proposals for improved controls such as possible multilateral oversight arrangements of the nuclear fuel cycle.
Mutual deterrence
Deterrence between two adversaries.
Nagasaki
The second city on which an atomic bomb was dropped. "Fat Man" was dropped on August 9, 2006. Over 74,000 civilians were killed.
National missile defense (NMD)
A ground-based anti-ballistic missile system designed to protect a country against ballistic missile threats. The proposed U.S. system consists of four elements: ground-based interceptors (GBI); a ground-based radar (GBR); a battle management command, control, and communications (BM/C 3) system; and a constellation of Space and Missile Tracking System (SMTS) satellites.
National technical means (NTMs)
Satellites, aircraft, and electronic and seismic monitoring devices used to survey the activities of other states, including military movements and treaty compliance.
Negative security assurances
A pledge by a nuclear weapon state that it will not use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear weapon state. Some states have policies that allow for the use of nuclear weapons if attacked with other WMD by a non-nuclear weapon state.
Neo-Fascists
A term used to refer to post-World War II adherents to fascist ideology. The fascist ideology is characterized by authoritarian rule and extreme nationalism. Fascists usually hold a belief that the nation has declined from a mythic past as a result of impurities introduced by an enemy (often referring to another racial group) that must be defeated. Fascism came to prominence in various European countries between the two world wars and its manifestation in Germany and Italy was largely responsible for the Second World War. Neo-fascists who subscribe to the particular doctrine of National Socialism are known as Neo-Nazis. (see Neo-Nazis)
Neutron
An uncharged elementary particle with a mass slightly greater than that of the proton, and found in the nucleus of every atom heavier than hydrogen.
New Agenda Coalition
In June 1998, the foreign ministers from Brazil, Egypt, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Slovenia, South Africa, and Sweden issued a statement calling for a new nuclear disarmament agenda. (Slovenia later withdrew from the NAC.) The NAC calls for the five nuclear weapons states and the three nuclear-capable states to make an unequivocal commitment to nuclear disarmament and to begin multilateral negotiations that would lead to the elimination of nuclear weapons through a Nuclear Weapons Convention.
No First Use
A pledge on the part of a nuclear weapons state not to be the first party to use nuclear weapons in a conflict or crises. No-first-use guarantees may be made in unilateral statements, bilateral or multilateral agreements, or as part of a treaty creating a nuclear-weapons-free zone.
Nodong
Name for a series of theater ballistic missiles being developed by North Korea.
Non-nuclear weapon state (NNWS)
Under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, these are states that had not detonated a nuclear device prior to January 1, 1967, (that is, all states other than the United States, the Soviet Union [now Russia], the United Kingdom, France, and China).
Non-party
A state or entity that is not participating in an agreement, convention, or treaty.
Nonproliferation
Prevention of the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT)
See the Treaty on Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Non Strategic Nuclear Weapons (See Tactical Nuclear Weapons)
Short range nuclear weapons, generally with land based range of 500 km and a sea based range of 600 km.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a collective security agreement meant to deter Soviet aggression. It was signed in Washington on April 4, 1949. The treaty created an alliance of 10 European and two North American independent nations committed to each other's defense. As of April 2005, NATO has 26 members. The member countries have committed to maintaining and developing their defense capabilities, to consulting on issues of mutual security concern, and to the principle of collective self-defense. NATO's members are Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Northern Ireland "troubles"
Refers to the period of violent sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland between Irish Catholic Republicans and the Protestant Loyalists and the British military. The "Troubles" began with the Civil Rights marches in the late 1960s and lasted until the political resolution set out in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. During that time, more than 3,000 people, mostly civilians, were killed.
Nuclear energy
The energy liberated by a nuclear reaction (fission or fusion) or by radioactive decay.
Nuclear explosive device
Nuclear explosive device means any nuclear weapon or other explosive device capable of releasing nuclear energy, irrespective of the purpose for which it could be used. The term includes such a weapon or device in unassembled and partly assembled forms, but does not include the means of transport or delivery of such a weapon or device if separable from and not an indivisible part of it.
Nuclear Freeze Campaign
A movement initiated by Randall Forsberg in 1980 called for the United States and Soviet Unions to freeze the production, testing and deployment on nuclear weapons. This campaign was incredibly successful and was able to place the issue on election ballots, becoming the largest referendum on a single issue in US history.
Nuclear installation
Nuclear installation means a nuclear-power reactor (including subcritical and critical assemblies), a nuclear research reactor, a critical facility, a conversion plant, a fabrication plant, a reprocessing plant, an isotope separation plant, a separate storage installation, and any other installation or location in or at which fresh or irradiated nuclear material or significant quantities of radioactive materials are present.
Nuclear Posture Review
Mandated by the United States Congress, the Department of Defense conducts a comprehensive Nuclear Posture Review to lay out the direction for U.S. nuclear force over the next five to ten years. To date, the United States completed Nuclear Posture Reviews in 1994 and 2001. The Bush administration released the latest Nuclear Posture Review in January 2002 stating U.S. nuclear policy and strategy in the post-Cold War era. The Review introduces a new Triad comprised of 1) offensive strike powers both nuclear and non-nuclear, 2) active and passive defense, and 3) a revitalized defense infrastructure to counter emerging threats. The NPR also discusses the proposal to reduce operationally deployed strategic nuclear weapons to a level between 1,700 - 2,200 by the year 2012.
Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs)
Nuclear powered submarines with long range ballistic missiles.
Nuclear power plant
An electrical generating facility using a nuclear reactor as its heat source to provide steam to a turbine generator.
Nuclear reactor
A device in which nuclear fission may be sustained and controlled in a self-supporting nuclear reaction. The varieties are many, but all incorporate certain features, including fissionable material or fuel, a moderating material (unless the reactor is operated on fast neutrons), a reflector to conserve escaping neutrons, provisions of removal of heat, measuring and controlling instruments, and protective devices. The reactor is the heart of a nuclear power plant.
Nuclear weapon
A device that releases nuclear energy in an explosive manner as the result of nuclear chain reactions involving the fission or fusion or both, of atomic nuclei.
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Country
Several countries have declared their nuclear-weapon-free status. However, Mongolia's single state nuclear free status is the only one which was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly. For example, New Zealand established a Nuclear Free Zone Act. Japan also has the three non-nuclear principles, but they are not legally binding.
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Southern Hemisphere and Adjacent Areas
Current existing nuclear-weapon-free zones are all located in the Southern Hemisphere. Since 1996, the United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for the creation of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Southern Hemisphere and adjacent areas.
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Status of Mongolia
UN General Assembly Resolution 3261 adopted on December 9, 1974, recognized the possibility that a single-state nuclear-weapon-free zone could be established. The Mongolian government declared itself a single-state nuclear-weapon-free zone at the 47th session of the UN General Assembly in 1992. The 55th session of the UN General Assembly (2000) adopted Resolution 55/33S on "Mongolia's international security and nuclear weapon free status." Like other existing NWFZs, Mongolia's single-state NWFZ is recognized internationally and contains verification and compliance mechanisms. Although the Law of Mongolia on its NWFZ status provides for verification and compliance mechanisms, the only mechanisms that have been established are Mongolia's comprehensive safeguards agreement with the IAEA and the additional protocol to that agreement.
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ)
A geographical area in which nuclear weapons are not allowed to be built, possessed, transferred, deployed, or tested.
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Protocol
Protocols to NWFZs provide for the obligations and rights of non-parties to the zone and of the nuclear weapon states with reference to those states that are party to the NWFZ and the region covered. Protocols may include assurances by the NWS not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against contracting parties within a NWFZ.
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
A group of states that cooperate to ensure that nuclear exports are made only under appropriate safeguards, physical protection, nonproliferation conditions, and other appropriate constraints. It first met in 1975 in London. As of January 2006, the NSG has 45 members.
Nuclear umbrella
Also known as extended deterrence, the term describes security derived through military protection from a nuclear power. A country protected from potential enemies by the nuclear weapons of an ally is said to be under a nuclear umbrella. By coming under a nuclear umbrella, countries allied with a nuclear weapon state hope to deter nuclear attack or threat from other countries.
Nuclear use doctrine
The fundamental principles by which military forces or political leaders guide their decisions regarding the use of nuclear weapons.
Nuclear weapon
A device that releases nuclear energy in an explosive manner as the result of nuclear chain reactions involving the fission or fusion or both, of atomic nuclei.
Nuclear weapon states
As defined by Article IX, paragraph 3 of the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, the five states that detonated a nuclear device prior to January 1, 1967 (China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Nuclear weapon-capable states
Those states not party to the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty but which have the ability to build nuclear weapons (India, Israel, and Pakistan).
Nucleus
The small, central, positively charged region of an atom. Except for the nucleus of ordinary hydrogen, which has only a proton, all atomic nuclei contain both protons and neutrons. The number of protons determines the total positive charge or atomic number. This number is the same for all the atomic nuclei or a given chemical element. The total number of neutrons and protons is called the mass number.
Offensive (research, weapon)
Meant for use in instigating an attack, as opposed to defending against an attack.
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
Based in The Hague, the Netherlands, the OPCW is responsible for implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). All countries ratifying the CWC become states parties to the CWC and make up the membership of the OPCW. It meets annually and in special sessions when necessary.
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
Created in 1975 as the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) as part of the Helsinki negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union. The OSCE is composed of most NATO and former Warsaw Pact nations, including the United States, Canada, and Russia. Its purpose is to guarantee European security and human rights. As of January 2006, 55 states were participating.
Organization of African Unity (OAU)\African Union
The OAU was established to promote the unity of African countries in 1963. At the first summit of the Organization of African Unity in Cairo in July 1964, the African Heads of State or Government called for a treaty declaring Africa free of nuclear weapons. The OAU was transformed into the African Union on May 26, 2001.
Organization of American States (OAS)
Established in 1948, the OAS embodies the commitment of the nations in the Americas to pursue common goals such as enhanced security, democracy, and human rights. The OAS considers the Treaty of Tlatelolco as a measure to enhance regional as well as global security.
Outer Space Treaty
The "Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies" prohibits the placement of WMD in orbit around the earth, on the moon or any other celestial body, or otherwise in outer space. The treaty also stipulates that the exploration and use of outer space be carried out for the benefit and in the interest of all countries, and that the moon and other celestial bodies are to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes. It was opened for signature on January 27, 1967, and entered into force on October 10, 1967. As of April 2005, there were 98 parties to the treaty; in addition, 27 states have signed but not ratified the treaty.
P-5
The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (which are also the five NWS under the NPT): China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT)
Also known as the Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT) or the Moscow Treaty, the "Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water" prohibits nuclear weapons tests "or any other nuclear explosion" in the atmosphere, in outer space, and under water. While not banning tests underground, the treaty does prohibit nuclear explosions in this environment if they cause "radioactive debris to be present outside the territorial limits of the State under whose jurisdiction or control" the explosions were conducted. The treaty is of unlimited duration and, as of April 2005, has 131 parties.
Party
A person, group or state, that agrees to abide by the requirements of an agreement or a treaty.
Passive defenses
Passive defenses are measures that reduce the impact of a WMD attack once it has occurred. Two well-known examples of passive defenses are the use of protective clothing to reduce the impact of chemical weapons and the use of inoculations to reduce the impact of biological weapons.
Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE)
Nuclear explosions carried out for non-military purposes, such as the construction of harbors or canals. PNEs are technically indistinguishable from nuclear explosions of a military nature. Although Article V of the NPT allows for PNEs, no significant peaceful benefits have been discovered. In the Final Document of the 2000 NPT Review Conference, the States party agreed that Article V of the NPT is to be interpreted in light of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which will ban all nuclear explosions, including PNEs, once it enters into force.
Peaceful Nuclear Explosion Treaty (PNET)
"The Treaty between the United States and the U.S.S.R. on Underground Nuclear Explosions for Peaceful Purposes," was signed in May 1976. The treaty governs all nuclear explosions conducted outside of nuclear test sites specifically named in the Threshold Test Ban Treaty. The PNET entered into force in December 1990. Many of its provisions were superseded by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which bans all nuclear explosions.
Persistent
In the context of chemical agents, the ability to remain in liquid form without evaporating for some length of time at normal temperatures and pressures.
Plutonium (Pu)
A transuranic element produced when uranium is irradiated in a reactor. It is used primarily in nuclear weapons and, along with uranium, in mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel. Plutonium-239 is the most suitable isotope for use in nuclear weapons.
Positive security assurances
Guarantees by nuclear weapon states that they will assist any non-nuclear weapon state that is the target of nuclear aggression or is threatened by such aggression.
Precursor
Any chemical reactant which takes part at any stage in the production by whatever method of a toxic chemical. This includes any key component of a binary or multi-component chemical system.
Precursor chemical
A chemical that can be chemically combined with another substance to form a chemical warfare agent. Most precursors controlled through nonproliferation initiatives also have commercial uses.
Preemptive Strike
Attack launched to destroy a country's weapons in order to eliminate the threat of those weapons being used in an attack against an enemy. Orders to launch a preemptive strike would be given after intelligence data has been received and analyzed. If the data indicate that an adversary is preparing for a nuclear attack, a preemptive strike could be undertaken to stop (or "blunt") the nuclear attack.
Presidential Nuclear Initiative
A series of initiatives announced by George H. Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev declaring that their two countries would reduce tactical nuclear weapons arsenals and delivery systems.
Proliferation Security Initiative
The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) announced by President Bush on May 31, 2003, is a U.S.- led effort to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, and related materials through the use of information sharing and diplomatic and military coordination. Members of the initiative share a set of 13 common principles which guide PSI efforts. The core members include Australia, France, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as about 60 other states that have expressed political support.
Proliferation (of WMD)
The spread of WMD. Horizontal proliferation refers to the spread of WMD to states that have not previously possessed them. Vertical proliferation refers to an increase in the amount or devastating capacity of any currently existing WMD arsenals within a state.
Protocol
A negotiated document often meant as a supplement to a treaty or agreement, stipulating specific action that should be taken to fulfill the terms of the agreement or modifying the agreement.
Proton
An elementary nuclear particle with a positive electric charge located in the nucleus of an atom.
Pugwash Conference
A yearly meeting of scholars and public figures who discuss and debate arms control and security issues in an informal manner rather than as representatives of a government or agency. The expertise available these gathering often leads to new ideas which can more quickly enter into policy making bodies. This conference was first inspired by the Russell Einstein Manifesto.
QDR
The Quadrennial Defense Review outlines the U.S. Defense Departments strategy for defending the nation and the resources needed to meet that strategy. Its release coincides with presidential elections.
Radiation (ionizing radiation)
Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, X-rays, neutrons, high-speed electrons, high-speed protons, and other particles capable of producing ions. Radiation that has enough energy to remove electrons from substances that it passes through, forming ions.
Radiation shielding
Any material or obstruction that absorbs radiation and thus tends to protect personnel or materials from the effects of ionizing radiation.
Radiation source
Usually a sealed source of radiation used in teletherapy and industrial radiography, as a power source for batteries, or in various types of industrial gauges. Machines, such as accelerators and radioisotope generators, and natural radionuclides may be considered sources. Some sources are also used for research and experimentation.
Radiation syndrome (also called radiation sickness)
The complex of symptoms characterizing the disease known as radiation injury, resulting from excessive exposure of the whole body (or large part) to ionizing radiation. The earliest of these symptoms is nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be followed by loss of hair, hemorrhage, inflammation of the mouth and throat, and general loss of energy. In sever cases, where the radiation has been approximately 1,000 rad or more, death may occur within two to four weeks. Those who survive six weeks after the receipt of a single large dose of radiation to the whole body may generally be expected to recover.
Radioactive contamination
Deposition of radioactive material in any place where it may harm persons or equipment.
Radioactive decay
The decrease in the amount of any radioactive material with the passage of time due to the spontaneous emission from the atomic nuclei or either alpha or beta particles, often accompanied by gamma radiation. Each decay process has a definite half-life.
Radioactive waste
Materials which are radioactive and for which there is no further use.
Radioactivity
The spontaneous emission of radiation, generally alpha or beta particles, often accompanied by gamma rays, from the nucleus of an unstable isotope. Also, the rate at which radioactive material emits radiation.
Radiocarbon dating
A technique for estimating the age of an object by measuring the amounts of various radioisotopes in it.
Radioisotope
An unstable isotope of an element that decays or disintegrates spontaneously, emitting radiation. Approximately 5000 natural and artificial radioisotopes have been identified.
Radiological dispersal device (RDD)
A device that involves radioactive materials and some method by which those materials can be spread over a wide area. It can be a variety of sizes, and the radiation can cause contamination, economic and some physical harm. One type of RDD is the popularly named "dirty bomb." A dirty bomb uses the force of conventional explosives, such as TNT, to scatter radioactive material.
Radiological terrorism
Terrorist acts carried out either by attacking a nuclear facility or through malicious use of a radiological device.
Radiological weapons
Devices that release radiation with the intent of inflicting severe injury or financial and psychological costs. The radiological isotopes used to produce radiological dispersal devices are found in waste from medical facilities, industrial plants, and nuclear power plants.
Rapacki Plan
The Rapacki Plan was a proposal to establish a zone free of nuclear weapons in Central and Eastern Europe named after the Polish foreign minister, Adam Rapacki, in 1958. This plan sought to initially keep nuclear weapons from being deployed in Poland, Czechoslovakia, West Germany, and East Germany, but other European countries would have the opportunity to accede. Although the plan was not negotiated seriously due to the Cold War security environment, several elements of the Rapacki Plan were later adopted as guidelines for the establishment of denuclearized zones.
Ratification
The implementation of the formal process established by a country to legally bind its government to a treaty, such as approval by parliament. In the United States, treaty ratifications require approval by the president after he or she has received the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate. The country then submits the required legal instrument of ratification of the treaty's depositary governments.
Re-activation
The reversal of measures to deactivate or de-alert missiles or the return of former military facilities or equipment to military use. In the case of missile re-activation, warheads are removed from storage facilities and redeployed on missiles in response to a perceived threat escalation.
Reentry phase
That portion of the trajectory of a ballistic missile or space vehicle when the vehicle reenters the earth's atmosphere.
Reentry Vehicle (RV)
A nuclear warhead on a ballistic missile specially designed to reenter the earth's atmosphere in the terminal portion of the missile's trajectory.
Regime
An institution in which rules or practices (sometimes memorialized in a treaty or convention) are generally accepted by a group of states to help them work together in an otherwise anarchic world.
Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW)
The administration's proposed Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) program is aimed at researching and developing new components to replace parts of existing warheads so they are easier to maintain, last longer, and are more likely to work as intended without nuclear testing.
Reprocessing
The chemical treatment of spent reactor fuel to separate the plutonium and uranium from the spent fuel rods and from each other to be used again as fuel. Britain, Russia, France, Germany, and Japan are currently reprocessing to recover plutonium.
Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP) See also "Bunker Buster"
The Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator or "bunker buster" represents efforts by the US to adapt nuclear technology into a "usable" form by either altering explosion size and/or delivery system. The bunker buster would penetrate deep into the earth before detonating. Bush administration and the Department of Energy have been hampered in their ability to gain funding for research and testing of these weapons. The future of this program is uncertain.
"Rogue" states
Countries regarded as hostile to the United States and its allies and suspected of developing or deploying WMD. Though the U.S. State Department discourages use of this term, it is still used by some U.S. officials in reference to Iran, North Korea, and Syria. The term "States of concern" has replaced the term "rogue" states.
Russell Einstein Manifesto
A joint statement made by Bertrand Russle and Albert Einstein calling on the leaders of the world to find a peaceful solution to their conflicts, because the next large war would likely involve nuclear weapons which would threaten humanity's survival. This statement was signed on to by leading intellectuals and became the founding charter of the Pugwash Conference.
Safeguards
Monitoring of nuclear material to ensure it is not used for military purposes, as implemented by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Sanctions
Economic or military penalties or measures enacted against a state in response to that state's violation of international rules or "norms" or treaty obligations.
Science and Technology Center Ukraine
Established in 1993 by the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Ukraine, the STCU supports research and development activities that engage weapons scientists and engineers from Ukraine, Georgia, and Uzbekistan in peaceful civilian science and technology activities.
Scud
Name for a series of short-range ballistic missiles developed by the Soviet Union in the 1950s and transferred to many other countries. Most theater ballistic missiles developed and deployed in countries of concern are based on the Scud design.
Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM)
Missles launched from submarines that carry conventional (non-nuclear) payloads.
Seabed Treaty
The "Treaty on the Prohibition of the Emplacement of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction on the Seabed and the Ocean Floor and in the Subsoil Thereof" prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction on the seabed, the ocean floor, and in the subsoil of the ocean floor beyond a signatory's 12-miles coastal zone. A conference to review the treaty is held every five years. Opened for signature on February 11, 1971, it entered into force on May 18, 1972. As of April 2005, there were 95 parties to the treaty; in addition, 21 states have signed but not ratified the treaty.
Sealed source
Any radioactive material or byproduct encased in a capsule designed to prevent leakage or escape of the material.
Security Council Resolution 1540
A resolution passed by the UN Security Council in April 2004 that calls on all states to refrain from supporting, by any means, non-state actors which attempt to acquire, use, or transfer chemical, biological or nuclear weapons and their delivery systems. The resolution also calls for a committee to report on the progress of the resolution, asking states to submit a report on steps taken in conforming to the resolution.
Shahab
Name for a series of theater ballistic missiles under development in Iran. Also spelled Shehab.
Short-range missiles
Also referred to as theater missiles. Short-range missiles have a range of less than 1,000 kilometers.
Signature
The signing of a treaty by a senior representative of a country (such as the president or secretary of state) which indicates that the country accepts the treaty and commits, until the country completes its ratification process, not to take any actions that would undermine its purposes, according to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
Silo
Hardened underground facility for housing and launching a ballistic missile and designed to provide pre-launch protection against nuclear attack.
Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP)
The plan of response for a nuclear attack on the United States. It integrates all US nuclear capabilities in the case of an attack or imminent attack. In 1960, the US Joint Strategic Target Palnning Staff comleted the SIOP 62. Since then, the SIOP war plan has dictated how US nuclear forces would be used in a war. With broad guidance from the president, the secretary of defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the staff of the U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) works out the inscrutably complex details of the plan. It is STRATCOM that designs and maintains the list of targets for nuclear attacks. The Pentagon has formally changed the name of the SIOPin 2003, to OPLAN 8044 Revision (FY).
Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone
See Treaty of Bangkok below.
South Pacific Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone
See Treaty of Rarotonga below.
Spent nuclear fuel
Fuel that has been removed from a nuclear reactor because it can no longer sustain power production for economic or other reasons.
States of Concern
The term used to denote states hostile to the United States and its allies and which are developing or possess WMD. (See Rogue States).
Stationing
Stationing means implantation, emplacement, transport on land or inland waters, stockpiling, storage, installation, and deployment.
Stockpile Life Extension Program
Long-term plan to extend the life and effectiveness of the US nuclear stockpiles. Includes mechanisms to remanufacture, refurbish and modernize each weapon.
Stockpile Stewardship Program
Stockpile stewardship refers to the activities associated with research, design, development and testing of nuclear weapons and the assessment and certification of their safety and reliability.
Strategic Arms Limitations Talks (SALT I & II)
Strategic Arms Limitations Talks between the Soviet Union and the United State were aimed at limiting missile systems and other strategic armaments. The first round of talks (SALT I) was held from 1969-1972, and the second from 1972-1979. Salt I concluded on May 20, 1971, when the ABM Treaty and the Interim Agreement limiting strategic offensive arms were signed. The SALT II Treaty was signed on June 18, 1979, but was not ratified by either country.
Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START I & II)
This term refers to the negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union/Russian Federation held from 1982 to 1993 to limit and reduce the numbers of strategic offensive nuclear weapons in each country's nuclear arsenal. The talks resulted in the 1991 START I Treaty, which entered into force in December 1994, and the 1993 START II Treaty. Each treaty is officially named the "Treaty between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms." START I was originally negotiated between the United States and the Soviet Union, and now applies to the United States, Russian Federation, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine have all renounced their possession of nuclear weapons under the 1992 Lisbon Protocol to START I. START II, which calls for further reductions in the United States and Russia has been ratified by the two countries, but has not yet entered into force.
Strategic Bomber
A large member designed to drop large amounts of explosive power on enemy territory. These attacks are targeted at the enemies' ability to wage war by destroying buildings, infrastructure, and military installations as opposed to tactical bombers which focus on troops and military equipment in the battlefield.
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
The national defense program launched by U.S. President Ronald Reagan in March 1983, to study the feasibility of researching and developing defensive measures against ballistic missiles. President Reagan called for "a long-term research and development program to begin to achieve our ultimate goal of eliminating the threat posed by strategic nuclear missiles" that is consistent with U.S. obligations under the ABM Treaty.
Strategic nuclear warheads
Warheads placed on long-range delivery systems, on land-based Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and long-range bombers.
Sub-critical tests
Tests that are used to gather information about nuclear warhead design and performance. Although s