Nuclear Weapons & Global Security
Our scientists and policy experts work to reduce some of the biggest security threats facing the world today, including the risks posed by nuclear weapons, nuclear terrorism, and space weapons. We work with scientists around the globe to increase international understanding of these issues and to foster and strengthen efforts to increase international security.
Features
New START Overview (May 2011)
China's Nuclear Arsenal: Status and Evolution (May 2011)
Securing the Skies: Ten Steps the United States Should Take to Improve the Security and Sustainability of Space (November 2010)
Testimony to Blue Ribbon Commission Subcommittee on Reactor and Fuel Cycle Technology (October 2010)
All Things Nuclear - Insights on Science and Security (Blog)
Successes
Recent successes in Nuclear Weapons & Global Security include:
- Helped shape U.S. nuclear weapons policy by working to secure key Senate votes that led to approval of the New START agreement
- Won important policy changes, including retirement of the nuclear Tomahawk cruise missile and a pledge not to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states that have signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty
- Established a plan for space security with our report Securing the Skies
- Advised the U.S. government on nuclear terrorism risks with our testimony before the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future
- Continued to educate policy makers, military officers, the media, and public about China's space program
Analysis
Toward True Security: Ten Steps The Next President Should Take to Transform U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policy
A new report co-written by UCS staff and board members, and other independent experts (February 13, 2008)
The Physics of Space Security: A Reference Manual, a UCS-authored report, published in May 2005 by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS).
Technical Realities: An Analysis of the U.S. National Missle Defense System
The ballistic missile defense system that the United States will deploy later this year will have no demonstrated defensive capability and will be ineffective against a real attack by long-range ballistic missiles.
Campaigns
New START Campaign Succeeds
The New START treaty entered into force on February 5, 2011, after the Senate passed an "advice and consent" resolution approving ratification on December 22, 2010.
By contacting their senators to urge a "yes" vote, UCS members played an important role in achieving this victory. Congratulations to our supporters for helping to make the world a little less dangerous!
Resources
UCS Satellite Database
A free, searchable, easy-to-use database of more than 900 active satellites with detailed information about each. (Updated February 2011)
Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator animation
See why a nuclear "bunker buster" would not contain radioactive fallout and could instead kill millions of civilians.
Countermeasures animation
This animation shows how the proposed missile defense system can be defeated by simple countermeasures.
