Chapter 21 Self-test questions

. How do weapons of mass destruction differ from conventional weapons?

Weapons of mass destruction have the potential to generate catastrophic levels of death and destruction.

Weapons of mass destruction have been developed specifically as deterrent weapons.

Weapons of mass destruction are easy to develop and thus are often used by domestic terrorists.

Weapons of mass destruction are easy for non-state actors to get hold of and thus pose a bigger risk to international security.

. What are fission nuclear weapons?

Fission nuclear weapons are the simplest and most efficient nuclear weapon design; they require a relatively small amount of fissile uranium-235 material to produce a comparatively large explosion because mass and energy becomes interchangeable in the barrel.

Gun-type fission devices are the simplest and least efficient nuclear weapon design; they are rugged and have a relatively high probability of 'going critical'. Implosion-type devices use high-explosive lenses to compress the fissile material until it reaches criticality.

Gun-type fission weapons are produced by the rapid rearrangement of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen in a chamber, striking each other at high velocities, with the friction sparking a chemical explosion.

Implosion fissure devices are constructed with relative ease because unlike the gun-type fissure device it uses high-explosive shaped lenses to compress the fissile material to critical tolerance. Detonation is highly volatile with a high potential of 'going critical'.

. What is a fusion nuclear device?

A fusion weapon is a three-stage-bomb that uses an implosion device to create a fission reaction, which then detonates a fusion reaction. It is often referred to as a thermo-nuclear or hydrogen device and has unlimited destructive potential.

A fusion weapon uses a reaction where the nuclei of two light elements are combined, the reaction resulting in heavier elements fragmenting into smaller parts. This fragmentation releases energy of limited destructive capacity, the extent of energy released dependent on the mass of material used.

A fusion device is a two-stage bomb where a gun-type device is used to trigger a series of fission reactions with the cumulative result being the production of a high energy flash explosion with unlimited thermal energy.

A fusion weapon is a highly specialized implosion device. Its multi-stage process allows its destructive capability to be programmed specifically for its target.

. What are the best-known and most important effects of nuclear weapons?

EMP, which produces a high-voltage electrical charge which is harmless to humans, but can destroy electronic systems

Thermal-light pulse, which can cause flash blindness and fire

Fallout, which is irradiated debris picked up by the nuclear fireball and lofted into the atmosphere, can expose people to radiation.

All of the above

. What has been the impact of nuclear deterrence on international politics post-Cold War?

There is a developing scholarly trend towards proliferation pessimism, a pattern which has gained momentum with the end of the Cold War. There is concern that accidental war may occur, either through misperception, psychological or technical problems that can lead to spiralling tensions which result in a failure of deterrence policy. In addition, normal accidents resulting from the inability of a state to capably anticipate human-machine interactions in the complexities of the international (and anarchical) system may also occur.

Proliferation optimists dispute the claim that nuclear technology leads to a propensity of the holding actor towards war. They do concede that there is the risk that terrorists acquiring the weapon could create an existential threat to the international system, although the threat is not yet a reality. Furthermore, the ability to retaliate can eliminate an opponent's potential gain.

Deterrence has proved to have been a source of stabilization during the Cold War but proliferation pessimists contend that new states' development programmes do not provide sufficient guarantees that the state sponsors will act as good custodians. Weak state structures might result in sabotage, accidental use, or even theft.

Despite the recognition that the ability to retaliate (the secure second-strike capability) produces a situation known as crisis stability, there is no consensus on the impact of nuclear capabilities, whether a source of stabilization or an existential threat.

. Which factor does not influence the effective use of chemical weapons?

Temperature

Terrain

Rain

Wind

. What has been the effect of chemical weapons on international society?

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) prohibited the possession or deployment of chemical weapons; however it failed to implement stipulations that would require signatories to declare their existing stocks of chemical weapons, to identify facilities that were once involved in chemical production, or to announce when their existing stocks would be destroyed.

The CWC made some important developments regarding the use and possession of chemical weapons and the destruction of existing stockpiles. However, the treaty failed to establish an independent body empowered with the capacity to check treaty compliance. Lack of supra-state authority has undermined the ability to enforce those developments. Given the anarchical nature of international society it may be in the national security interest to retain stocks.

Chemical weapons continue to exert a determining influence on international society. As early as the 1970s military strategists were convinced of the deterrence effects chemical weapons could have, comparable to the second strike survival logic of nuclear deterrence. The preferences of strategists resulted in continued manufacture and stockpiling of weapons creating an international crisis of stability.

While the CWC has been ratified by the majority of international society, some nations with a large chemical capability at their disposal have yet to enter into the treaty. However, to some analysts the destructive military potential would be limited, having a moderate effect on a well-equipped army in conventional warfare. Chemical arsenal essentially falls under the category of the 'poor man's' weaponry, being simplistic and inexpensive whilst having limited military utility. However, the concern remains of the prospective impact a terrorist chemical attack could have on civilian populations.

. Which of the following statements is the odd one out?

As an area attack agent, anthrax is probably the best-known bacterial agent.

Toxins are probably best thought of as a poison, which is often used to attack specific individuals.

Biological agents are generally delivered in the form of an infectious aerosol.

Haemorrhagic fevers—Marburg, Lassa fever, or Ebola—are viral agents that could serve as potent weapons.

. What is the problem associated with inspections of biological weapons?

There are too many laboratories that could potentially manufacture biological weapons.

Work on biological agents is easy to conceal.

Devising an effective inspection regime is too difficult.

All of the above

. Which statement best describes the current trend(s) regarding nuclear weapons in the world today?

Some states are pursuing nuclear disarmament while others are pursuing greater armament.

Most states are pursuing nuclear disarmament.

Non-state actors are coming closer to developing nuclear weapons.

Most states with nuclear capabilities are increasing their reliance on nuclear weapons.

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