Every nuclear weapons program for decades has relied extensively on illicit imports of nuclear-related technologies. This book offers the most detailed public account of how states procure what they need to build nuclear weapons, what is currently being done to stop them, and how global efforts to prevent such trade could be strengthened. While illicit nuclear trade can never be stopped completely, effective steps to block illicit purchases of nuclear technology have sometimes succeeded in slowing nuclear weapons programs and increasing their costs, giving diplomacy more chance to work. Hence, this book argues, preventing illicit transfers wherever possible is a key element of an effective global non-proliferation strategy.

‘A compelling analysis of the failures of policy, intelligence, law enforcement and private sector governance in the past, and the continuing challenges facing the control of illicit nuclear technology transfers. This book is a sharply focused and intensely practical contribution to solving one of the world's most dangerous problems, and policymakers will ignore it at their peril.'

Gareth Evans - Former Australian Foreign Minister, Co-chair of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament and co-author of Nuclear Weapons: The State of Play

'Avoiding nuclear apocalypse is humanity's top priority. [Here is] a book by leading experts in the field on what needs to be done to combat the ominous danger of illicit trafficking in nuclear technology. A must read for anyone interested in how to shore up our precarious global security system.'

Mohamed ElBaradei - Former Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency

'A secret nuclear technology smuggling network lurks in the shadows behind virtually every recent nuclear weapons acquisition program. The expert authors of this volume both shine a bright light on these illicit networks, exposing the states and companies involved, and present creative ideas on how to reduce the risks of future nuclear proliferation. This book should guide new international efforts to shut down these nuclear black markets.'

Scott D. Sagan - Caroline S. G. Munro Professor of Political Science, Stanford University

'The world needs bold steps to surmount the nuclear dangers that we confront. This book is essential reading for its role in outlining the steps needed for a crucial part of that effort - controlling the spread of the technologies needed to build nuclear weapons to countries seeking nuclear arsenals. Top experts look at the dangers that lie ahead and recommend new tools to counter them. This book is must reading for policymakers striving for a safer world.'

Sam Nunn - Former Senator, co-chairman of the Nuclear Threat Initiative

'The future of global nuclear nonproliferation efforts will depend heavily on the high-stakes competition between increasingly resourceful nuclear black marketers and governments determined to thwart them. This volume brings together highly knowledgeable experts to shed light on the shadowy world of illicit nuclear procurement and to propose a promising strategy for impeding it. It is the most comprehensive treatment of the subject publicly available and an indispensable resource to both government policymakers and outsiders interested in avoiding a world of many nuclear-armed states.'

Robert Einhorn - The Brookings Institution

'This book is a sophisticated and urgent call for global action to prevent the next AQ Khan and avoid nuclear Armageddon. By distilling the lessons of the recent past, these world-class experts provide the blueprint for a safer, saner future. Essential reading for policy makers and the public.'

Douglas Frantz - Deputy Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development