Nuclear threat
A nuclear weapon creates an explosion that is much more powerful than the blast from a conventional explosive like TNT. The explosion gives off four types of energy: a blast wave, intense heat, light and radiation. Nuclear weapons can be in the form of bombs or missiles.
The most serious impact of a nuclear attack is the lethal radioactive ‘fallout’ that would spread out from the point of detonation. This ‘mushroom cloud’ could be visible for many kilometres downwind and contain dangerous radioactive material with harmful health effects. It is estimated that tens to hundreds of millions of people could die immediately from blast, fire and radiation. This death toll would be supplemented by the destruction of vital infrastructure – health care, water, food and energy supply systems – that would leave the survivors to cope in a brutalised and traumatised shattered world violently thrown back into a pre industrial age.
Implicit or explicit nuclear threats have been the default position of states possessing such weapons for decades – they are the essence of deterrence – if you attack us we will destroy your society and most important military assets. But in the hands of terrorists, the rules and limitations set by state militaries might be circumvented. Terrorists may not be concerned about the weight and size constraints of a fabricated nuclear device or the hazardous materials it contains. They might also not be bound by nuclear treaties and agreements.