Recent revelations about Iraqi and Soviet/Russian biological weapons programs and highly publicized events such as the deployment of anthrax and botulinum by the Aum Shinrikyo sect in Japan have made clear the necessity for addressing the issues of biological warfare and defense. In a comprehensive analysis of this imminent threat to global security, fourteen internationally recognized authorities consider: 1) the motivations of governments and terrorist groups seeking to acquire biological weapons; 2) how to manage the consequences of a biological attack; 3) techniques for weapons development; 4) methods for detection of pathogens and toxins; 5) defense against biological weapons; managing the consequences of a biological attack; and 6) international efforts to counter weapons proliferation.
The late Raymond A. Zilinskas was director of the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
"Essential reading for those concerned with the implications of biotechnology for biological warfare and terrorism."—Science Books & Film
"A fascinating, thoughtful, well–researched book on a terrifying subject.” —John Ellis van Courtland Moon