Nuclear forensics: investigating threats to nuclear security with David Smith

Nuclear forensics: investigating threats to nuclear security with David Smith

Author: Department of War Studies June 17, 2022 Duration: 30:55
There are around 150 incidents of unauthorised activities involving nuclear and radioactive materials reported each year, including smuggling and theft. Why is this a grave issue of concern? How do we find those responsible? And who’s job is it to stop these materials going outside of regulatory control? David Smith, Visiting Research Fellow at King’s College London and an expert in nuclear forensics, answers these questions. He gives us an insight into the life of a nuclear forensic scientist and touches on some of the biggest nuclear security challenges in recent years, such as how the war in Ukraine has impacted the safety of nuclear facilities and undermined the policing of nuclear trafficking in the region, the impact of Covid 19 on nuclear security protocols, and the risks posed by climate change.

Drawn from the work of the School of Security Studies at King's College London, War Studies offers a direct line to one of the world's largest and most dedicated academic communities focused on security, defence, and international relations. This isn't about surface-level headlines; each episode digs into the intricate realities of conflict, diplomacy, and global power. You'll hear scholars and researchers unpack the underlying forces that shape world affairs, moving beyond theory to examine the tangible challenges faced by those navigating these complex spaces. The Department of War Studies produces this podcast to share its world-leading research, treating each conversation as an opportunity to question assumptions and deepen understanding. Tuning in means engaging with rigorous analysis that connects academic insight to the pressing security issues of our time. The consistent thread is a belief that examining the nature of war is essential for comprehending the broader landscape of human conflict and cooperation. Expect thoughtful, evidence-driven discussions that refuse to simplify the difficult questions.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

War Studies
Podcast Episodes
The war in Ukraine: Hear from our experts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:49
Many pundits did not believe Russia was going to attack Ukraine. Yet on 24th February 2022 Vladimir Putin launched a terrestrial invasion entering through the North, South, and East of the country. As we continue to make…
The fall of the Soviet Union 30 years on [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:19
“The USSR as a geopolitical reality and subject of international law has ceased to exist.” In December 1991, the Presidents of Russia, the Ukraine and Belarus came together in the forests of the Polish-Belarussian border…
Challenges and Solutions of Climate Geoengineering [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:11
What is climate engineering? How and why are certain shifting geoengineering policies engendering conflict? How do we differentiate between and prioritise the multitude of governance factors? How does funding affect the…
Climate change and the securitization of vulnerable nations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:00
Vulnerable nations are really feeling the negative effects and implications of climate change and the associated security repercussions. To what extent is climate change a security issue in vulnerable states? How are the…