It is the prospect of nuclear terrorism that Americans find among the most likely and most frightening nuclear prospect in the post-Cold War world. In the focus groups, participants talked of terrorism as a real and present fear. Maybe I watch too much TV or movies, but I don t underestimate the power of the human mind. On Nuclear Weapons Americans attitudes about nuclear weapons are complex and often seemingly inconsistent. At the same time, while a majority feel that the money expended on nuclear weapons has not been well spent, a majority also favor the United States maintaining and improving its nuclear arsenal.
Voters say that the United States government is currently spending too much on nuclear weapons .
In addition, Americans do not consider the total amount spent by the U.S. on its nuclear weapons program since 1945 to be money well-spent. However, Americans are suspicious that other countries will violate the terms of the agreement . Americans see computer assisted satellite technology as the most effective verification mechanism if such a treaty were enacted. Voters are also ambiguous about the role that nuclear weapons have played in the past and the role such weapons play in the present day. In keeping with concerns about nuclear terrorism, voters are strongly supportive of proposals to tighten the security of the Russian nuclear arsenal and to assist in the dismantling of Russian weapons.