Biological and Chemical Weapons
RESPONDING TO BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL THREATS
Biological and chemical weapons share a characteristic distinct from nuclear weapons: the raw materials and the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to develop them often have other completely legitimate commercial or research uses. The Stimson Center Biological and Chemical Threats Program focuses on these "dual-use technologies," offering practical strategies to address threats posed by accidental or intentional exposures to inherently hazardous agents without paralyzing the vibrant global research enterprise. READ MORE »
Current Research
Biosecurity and Dual-Use Technologies » Dual-use technologies can be applied to a purpose outside of the original intent, whether beneficially (as when a technology developed for the military also proves useful in the commercial or public sector), or maliciously. The anthrax assaults of 2001 drew scrutiny to the biosciences as a field in which almost every technology can be termed dual-use. Policymakers focused quickly on limiting access to "dangerous pathogens," but scientists themselves have reached little consensus on whether this approach mends an appalling vulnerability or offers only a false sense of security purchased with onerous paperwork. If any biotechnology could be potentially misused, what, who, and how do we regulate? The Biological and Chemical Threats program evaluates the effectiveness of the evolving U.S. biosecurity framework in the context of historical dual-use technology controls, recommending next steps for policymakers and scientists alike. READ MORE »
Biodefense and Medical Preparedness » Biodefense encompasses the activities and technologies intended to prevent, detect, diagnose, or treat diseases caused by biological agents. For the last five years, the U.S. has spent about $5 billion annually on nonmilitary biodefense, a 10-fold increase over 2001 levels. Has this investment tangibly improved U.S. readiness for biological threats, whether natural or man-made? The Biological and Chemical Threats Program focuses on how diverse communities -- including security, medical, public health, research, intelligence, diplomatic, and law enforcement -- can approach shared biodefense objectives, and how best to measure success. READ MORE »
Eliminating Chemical Weapons » During a Monday morning rush hour in March 1995, members of the Japanese cult Aum Shinrikyo simultaneously boarded five Tokyo subway trains and punctured plastic bags full of the deadly nerve agent sarin, produced by the cult's own scientists using over-the-counter equipment. The Tokyo attack not only caused 12 deaths and hundreds of injuries, but demonstrated the threat of catastrophic terrorism by nonstate actors. The Biological and Chemical Threats Program monitors programs intended to eliminate chemical weapons threats, from regimes to limit terrorist access to dual-use precursors to the destruction of the world's aging military stockpiles. READ MORE »