The second failed test launch of Russia's experimental Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missile in as many months has renewed doubts about the viability of the country's strategic nuclear deterrent, and in turn increased fears that Russian policy makers might adopt "hair-trigger" operational procedures to guarantee their nuclear forces could survive and respond to a first strike. Some commentators fear that Russian officials have equipped at least one of their secure underground leadership command posts with a "Dead Hand" doomsday communications rocket.
President Bush and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia announced a new global program to track potential nuclear terrorists, detect and lock up bomb-making materials and coordinate their responses if terrorists obtain a weapon, according to administration officials who have negotiated the deal.
Russia is facing criticism after secretly offering to sell North Korea technology that could help the rogue state to protect its nuclear stockpiles and safeguard weapons secrets from international scrutiny.
Nearly six years after the U.S. and Russia agreed to build a joint military center in Moscow to reduce the risk of accidental nuclear war, work on the project has stalled because the two nations can't agree about taxes and legal liability.
Against a backdrop of global efforts to address peacefully the concerns raised by Iran's nuclear power program, the US and Russia are proposing an international "partnership" for controlling the flow of weapons-grade uranium to those who might harbor military ambitions. The plan would provide energy-starved countries with the fuel they need for generating nuclear power, while taking back the dangerous waste created in its production.
Enough Russian nuclear material is currently unaccounted for that ?those with know-how? could construct a nuclear weapon if they were to obtain it, according to recent testimony from CIA Director Porter Goss.
A "small, but significant" number of Russian scientists have expressed a willingness to consider working in rogue states, according to a researcher at the U.S. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Russia is relying more and more on its strategic nuclear arsenal as its conventional strength continues to deteriorate.
Russia is moving forward with the development of its new nuclear missile system that is, according to Putin, "unlike any weapon held by other countries". Analysts believe that he is referring to the Topol-M which is capable of manuevering post-launch. This move could be intended as a signal to the United States as Washington pushes forward with a missile defense system.
[ Earlier Story ]
Bruce Blair surveys the dangers from Russian terrorists acquiring "loose nukes" or other nuclear material and he argues for a more comprehensive plan to reduce the risks. He also introduces a new threat, that cyber-terrorists might hack into Russia's ailing nuclear early warning network and fool it in thinking an attack had taken place.