Nuclear Security in Pakistan: Issues and Implications

Over the past several years, nuclear and regional experts have become increasingly concerned about the security of nuclear weapons and fissile material in Pakistan. While few, if any, people outside of the classified world can say for certain how secure Pakistan's nuclear facilities are, most observers agree that there are ample reasons for concern. Domestic political instability and an armed Taliban insurgency have raised a host of worst-case scenarios, including nuclear materials falling into the hands of terrorists; Taliban takeover of the country; or collapse of the state.

How do Pakistanis perceive U.S. interest in the security of their nuclear assets? How do these perceptions affect their motivations, and their politics? How does the U.S.-India nuclear deal affect Pakistani perceptions of our interest in their nuclear security?