To evaluate the response of an SMR to proliferation, theft, and sabotage threats, analysts need to consider both technical and institutional characteristics of the SMR. The system response is evaluated using a pathway analysis method. Pathways are defined as potential sequences of events followed by actors to achieve their objectives of proliferation, theft, or sabotage.

Before analyzing pathways, it is important to define the system under consideration and identify its main elements. After identification of the system elements, it is possible to identify and categorize potential targets for each of the threats and identify pathways for those targets. The steps used to evaluate the system response are illustrated in Figure 9.3 and discussed below.