Toxic terror : assessing terrorist use of chemical and biological weapons

Bibliographic Information

Toxic terror : assessing terrorist use of chemical and biological weapons

editor Jonathan B. Tucker

(BCSIA studies in international security)

MIT Press, c2000

  • : pbk

Search this Book/Journal
Note

"Monterey institute of international studies"

Includes bibliographical references and index

Description and Table of Contents
Volume

ISBN 9780262201285

Description

Policymakers, scholars and the news media have been alarmed by the potential for chemical and biological weapons (CBW) terrorism, and the US Congress has allocated billions of dollars for counterterrorism and "consequence management" programmes. Driving these concerns are the global spread of scientific knowledge and technology relevant to CBW terrorism and the vulnerability of civilian populations to chemical and biological attack. Notably lacking from the analysis, however, has been a careful assessment of the terrorists themselves. What types of terrorist groups or individuals are both capable of acquiring chemical and biological weapons and motivated to use them, and for what purposes? Further, what types of toxic agents would probably be produced, and how would they be delivered? Answers to these questions would enable policymakers to prepare for the most likely contingencies. To this end, "Toxic Terror" provides in-depth case studies of 12 terrorist groups and individuals who, from 1946 to 1998, allegedly acquired or employed CBW agents. The cases were researched from primary sources, including court documents, interviews and declassified government files. By comparing the 12 cases, the book identifies characteristic motivations and patterns of behaviour associated with CBW terrorism and provides an empirical basis for prudent, cost-effective strategies of prevention and response.
Volume

: pbk ISBN 9780262700719

Description

In-depth case studies of twelve terrorist groups and individuals who, from 1946 to 1998, allegedly acquired or employed CBW agents. Policymakers, scholars, and the news media have been alarmed by the potential for chemical and biological weapons (CBW) terrorism, and the U.S. Congress has allocated billions of dollars for counterterrorism and "consequence management" programs. Driving these concerns are the global spread of scientific knowledge and technology relevant to CBW terrorism and the vulnerability of civilian populations to chemical and biological attacks. Notably lacking from the analysis, however, has been a careful assessment of the terrorists themselves. What types of terrorist groups or individuals are both capable of acquiring chemical and biological weapons and motivated to use them, and for what purposes? Further, what types of toxic agents would probably be produced, and how would they be delivered? Answers to these questions would enable policymakers to prepare for the most likely contingencies. To this end, Toxic Terror provides in-depth case studies of twelve terrorist groups and individuals who, from 1946 to 1998, allegedly acquired or employed CBW agents. The cases were researched from primary sources, including court documents, interviews, and declassified government files. By comparing the twelve cases, the book identifies characteristic motivations and patterns of behavior associated with CBW terrorism and provides an empirical basis for prudent, cost-effective strategies of prevention and response.

by "Nielsen BookData"

Related Books: 1-1 of 1
Details
Page Top