Nuclear proliferation

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World map with nuclear weapons development status represented by color.      Five "nuclear weapons states" from the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty)      Other known nuclear powers      States suspected of being in the process of developing nuclear weapons and/or nuclear programs      States which at one point had nuclear weapons and/or nuclear weapons research programs      States capable of developing nuclear weapons within several years if the decision to do so were made

Nuclear proliferation is when a country starts making nuclear objects. On the right is a map showing who has nuclear reactors and weapons, and who could have them. When a country starts making nuclear weapons, they become a nuclear power.

Dual use technology

Dual use technology means the possibility of military use of civilian nuclear technology for generating electricity. Many technologies and materials associated with the creation of a nuclear electricity program have a dual-use capability. These items can be used to make nuclear weapons if a country chooses to do so. When this happens a nuclear electricity program can lead to making atomic bombs. The crisis over Iran’s nuclear activities is an example.

Nuclear Proliferation Media

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  Venn diagram displaying the historical proliferation among declared (solid circles) and undeclared nuclear weapon states (dashed circles). Numbers in parentheses are the explosive nuclear tests conducted by a particular nation. The overlap between Russia and U.S. reflects the purchase by the U.S. Defense Special Weapons Agency.

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  In 2003, Libya admitted that the nuclear weapons-related material including these centrifuges, known as Pak-1, were acquired from Pakistan