Description
Book SynopsisBiological weapons are widely feared, yet rarely used. Biological weapons were the first weapon prohibited by an international treaty, yet the proliferation of these weapons increased after they were banned in 1972. Biological weapons are frequently called ''the poor man''s atomic bomb,'' yet they cannot provide the same deterrent capability as nuclear weapons. One of my goals in this book is to explain the underlying principles of these apparent paradoxes.from Living Weapons
Biological weapons are the least well understood of the so-called weapons of mass destruction. Unlike nuclear and chemical weapons, biological weapons are composed of, or derived from, living organisms. In Living Weapons, Gregory D. Koblentz provides a comprehensive analysis of the unique challenges that biological weapons pose for international security. At a time when the United States enjoys overwhelming conventional military superiority, biological weapons have emerged as an attractive
Trade Review
Living Weapons is a succinct, highly readable analysis of the unique challenges presented by biological weapons. Koblentz provides an excellent summary of the historic utilities and disutilities posed by biological weapons to international actors and the potential erosion of constraints on their future use. Highly recommended.
* Choice *
A readable, succinct, yet through review of the myriad issues surrounding biodefense from a policy perspective.... More importantly, Living Weapons provides a disturbing yet refreshing look at the myriad obstacles confronting those who would play a role—whether political, diplomatic, or scientific—in attempting to rein in the use of biology in war and terror.
* Emerging Infectious Diseases *
Koblentz provides an up-to-date and comprehensive analysis of biological weapons as a strategic problem that should become the standard text in the field.... The book draws lessons about intelligence, verification, and oversight, and also about what strategic value the offending countries sought to extract by pursuing such weapons.... Through a careful examination of actual cases, Koblentz has done his best to get the true measure of the bioterrorist threat.
* Foreign Affairs *
Koblentz thoroughly addresses the wide range of challenges that biological weapons pose to countries in the 21st century.... He explores these issues by weaving together historical information on Iraqi, Russian, South African, and Soviet biological weapons programs with analysis of the scientific and security challenges biological weapons present... [and] he recommends several possible ways for countries to decrease, unilaterally and multilaterally, the threat posed by biological weapons.
* Arms Control Today *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Threat of Biological Weapons
1. Offense, Defense, and Deterrence
2. Verification
3. Oversight
4. Intelligence
5. Biological Terrorism
Conclusion: Reducing the Danger Posed by Biological Weapons
