While terrorism and nuclear smuggling have not yet combined to form a nuclear terrorist threat, the potential for such a contingency must be considered. The author traces the increasing number of nuclear smuggling incidents allegedly emanating from the former Soviet Union and explores physical and technological requirements for creating a nuclear device. He also looks at other potential terrorist uses for fissile materials, defines terrorism, and develops a typology of terrorist groups. Several propositions are outlined about what type of terrorist group is most likely to use nuclear terror and what each group would hope to gain from such action. Dangers and consequences faced by terrorist groups who decide to use nuclear terrorism are examined, and ways of reducing the vulnerability of the United States to nuclear terrorism are identified that focus on preparation, prevention, adjudication, and education. 127 endnotes