Analysis and Implications - Deadly Cultures: Biological Weapons Since 1945 - page 355

CHAPTER 17
Analysis and Implications
MALCOLM DANDO
GRAHAM PEARSON
LAJOS RÓZSA
JULIAN PERRY ROBINSON
MARK WHEELIS
In a little over 100 years we have moved from a situation
of almost total ignorance to a significant understanding of pathogens and
the diseases they, and the toxins they produce, cause in humans, animals,
and plants. Our already considerable capabilities to use this knowledge
for good or, regrettably, for ill are being profoundly enhanced by the on-
going genomics revolution in the life sciences. There must indeed be a
risk that in the coming century such knowledge may be used for hostile
purposes and in warfare.
Our objectives in undertaking this study, therefore, were, first, to pro-
vide as complete and accurate an history of BW since 1945 as is possible
with the data available today, and second, to draw possible lessons from
that history with regard to strengthening the long-standing total prohibi-
tion of biological weapons (BW).
The Central Issues
In considering the history of offensive BW programs since 1945 we ad-
dress three central issues: (1) Why have states continued or begun pro-
grams for acquiring BW? (2) Why have states terminated BW programs?
and (3) How have states demonstrated to other states that they have in-
deed terminated their BW programs? We consider these issues in two pe-
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