Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
animal BW can be used to target a state's food supply. Against states that
must rely upon domestic animal production, these weapons could be
used not only to apply pressure on military capabilities but also to target
sociopolitical stability. Although many developed countries are not reli-
ant on a single source of animal production, many regions of the world
lack the capability to switch the source of supply at short notice.
Finally, the later programs acknowledged the important economic con-
tribution of animal production (and its associated industries) to the eco-
nomic health of states. Such an economic attack was probably not en-
visaged as a single deciding strike; more likely it was seen as part of a
prolonged attritional campaign.
The potential effects of antianimal BW suggest that although they may
have diminished utility in hostilities between developed countries, they
may still feature in scenarios involving developed and developing coun-
tries, between developing countries, or in nonstate use for sabotage.
Recent Developments
A number of recent developments may influence this form of the poten-
tial of antianimal BW in the future. These include:
Developments in the biological sciences
The impact of current agricultural practices (including the use of
biocontrol agents)
The impact of international trade in animals (and the creation of a global
marketplace)
The increasing importance of the interface between domestic animals
and wildlife
The interaction of antianimal BW developments with the international
BW prevention regime
Although there is no reliable method for predicting what will happen in
the future, it is conceivable that this form of warfare will change to such a
degree that it no longer resembles the historical programs detailed here.
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