Citation

Bollfrass AK. Intell. Natl. Secur. 2022; 37(3): 377-401.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02684527.2021.1992153

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Separating Isotope Facts from Fallacies compares how intelligence agencies have performed in assessing the nuclear proliferation intentions of other countries. Using original archival and declassified documents from the Cold War era, the study appraises the accuracy of American, British, and West German intelligence proliferation assessments of India and Argentina. Contrary to pervasive scepticism, the available historical documentation shows that intelligence agencies did not habitually inflate their assessments of proliferation risks unless they anticipated arms race dynamics. Second, target state attitudes toward the nonproliferation regime provide essential clues to their nuclear intent. Third, more information about intentions did not inherently improve accuracy.

Language: en