Chapter 8 - International Relations

Manhattan Project

The secret US project that developed the atomic bomb.

Fission

An atom-splitting chain reaction that is central to the working of a nuclear weapon.

Thermonuclear bomb

A nuclear weapon that relies on fusing of hydrogen particles, producing much more destructive power than the original fission-based atomic bombs.

Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

Missile that in under an hour can travel thousands of miles through outer space and release multiple nuclear warheads.

Nuclear club

The group of states believed to possess nuclear weapons.

Submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)

Missile that can produce much the same effect as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a platform deep beneath the ocean's surface.

Cruise missile

Missile, capable of being launched from land, air, or sea, which can travel below radar detection and guide itself around obstacles to deliver the warhead it carries.

Nuclear deterrence

Using the threat of nuclear retaliation to deter a nuclear attack on oneself

Second-strike capability

The ability to inflict unacceptable damage on an adversary after it strikes first. Also known as assured destruction.

Unacceptable damage

The level of damage that rational state leaders are unwilling to sustain.

Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD)

A situation in which two adversaries each possess assured destruction capability

First-strike capability

The negation of another country's second-strike capability.

Nuclear freeze

A plan that would have prevented development or deployment of new nuclear systems

Extended deterrence

The threat by one country to use its nuclear forces to protect other countries.

Plutonium

Along with uranium, one of the two materials that can be used to create a nuclear weapon. Can be produced from bi-products of nuclear power plants.

Uranium

Along with plutonium, one of two materials that can be used to create a nuclear weapon.

Chemical weapons

A category of WMD that uses manufactured chemicals to kill people.

Biological weapons

A category of WMD that kills people by spreading bacteria or viruses.

'Dirty bomb'

A device that, without the profound power of a nuclear explosion, disperses deadly radioactive material.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

More commonly drones, are pilotless vehicles that can be operated and targeted by remote control.

Cyber-warfare

The use of the internet and related technologies by governments to damage or disrupt the activities or systems of value to an adversary.

Cyber-terrorism

The use of cyber-warfare by groups independent of national governments for the purpose of spreading disruption or fear.

Cyber-espionage

The use of information technology to steal or gain illicit access to confidential information from a foreign target.

Cyber-intervention

The use of information technology by a state to influence the domestic politics of another.

Hybrid warfare

The blending of conventional warfare with informational warfare.

Civil Defense

Defenses, such as fallout shelters, designed to protect civilians in case of a nuclear strike from an adversary.

Signature Strike

Intelligence officers estimate that individuals in conflict zones are wearing civilian clothes but behaving in ways consistent with that of terrorists/insurgents and therefore authorize drone operators to attack them.

Double-tap strike

Drone operator launches missles agaisnt suspected terrorists or insurgents, lingers in a holding pattern, then launches another strike against the security or rescue teams.