2.2: Weapons of Mass Destruction

Prevent the acquisition of nuclear and radiological materials for use in weapons of mass destruction and in other acts of terrorism.

Other Information:

The Department is committed to detecting, preventing, and reversing the proliferation of nuclear and radiological materials, technology, and expertise. NNSA's nonproliferation work started well before September 11, 2001 and the programs are becoming increasingly global in scope as they strengthen and expand nonproliferation activities outside the territory of the Former Soviet Union. NNSA now works with more than 90 countries to secure nuclear and radioactive materials and halt the production of new fissile material. Additionally, it detects and interdicts illegal trafficking in, or diversion of, nuclear material and proliferation-significant items, destroys surplus weapons-usable materials; strengthens export controls; bolsters nonproliferation regimes, and gives former weapons scientists and technicians an opportunity to make use of their high-technology skills in peaceful endeavors. While the Department has achieved impressive nonproliferation accomplishments over the past 30 years, DOE nonproliferation programs must continually address and adapt to evolving security concerns. The rapid evolution of the nuclear proliferation, in the context of a globalizing world economy, requires the programs to be flexible, creative, and responsive to emerging threats around the world. NNSA’s nonproliferation and threat reduction programs are structured around and integrated with a comprehensive and multi-layered U.S. Government strategy to address the danger that hostile nations or terrorist groups may acquire weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or weapons-usable material, dual-use production technology, or WMD expertise.

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