Overview

A new threat is stalking nations, as terrorist organizations and rogue states alike appear intent on acquiring and using the poor man's nuclear weapon: biological agents such as anthrax, smallpox, and plague. Attacks against Americans during the past dozen years may be an indication of more worrisome events to come. U.S. military forces in Japan were attacked in April of 1990 with botulinum toxin by the Aum Shinrikyo cult. Hundreds in Oregon were sickened with Salmonella after an attack in 1984. And small amounts of anthrax resulted in widespread panic and frequent evacuations across the United States in the fall of 2001. Ten experts discuss in detail the threats posed by bio-weapons and assess the current state of U.S. biological defenses. Chapters highlight the future prospects for biological warfare, bio-weapons in the Middle East, potential agroterrorism, the emerging bio-cruise missile threat, prevalent myths and likely scenarios, as well as the public health response. The promise of future world peace after World War II was quickly shattered by the Cold War. Indeed, the nuclear age was born at a time when the world seemed to be emerging from a dark past into a hopeful future. Are we to repeat history? With the end of the Cold War, does the future hold even greater threats? Or is an old threat merely resurfacing with a new level of lethality? This book should be required reading for anyone interested in national security, as well as concerned citizens who wish to know what form this new enemy may take and what can be done to stop it.

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9780275983147

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In this book, ten experts detail the threats posed by bio-weapons and assess the current state of US biological defenses. They highlight the future prospects for biological warfare, bio-weapons in the Middle East, potential agroterrorism, the emerging bio-cruise missile threat, prevalent myths and likely scenarios, and the public health response. With its insights into bioterrorism, this book will be useful reading for anyone interested in national security and public health, as well as students who want to know what forms biological warfare may take and what can be done to counteract it. Recommended. All levels. * Choice *

In this book, ten experts detail the threats posed by bio-weapons and assess the current state of US biological defenses. They highlight the future prospects for biological warfare, bio-weapons in the Middle East, potential agroterrorism, the emerging bio-cruise missile threat, prevalent myths and likely scenarios, and the public health response. With its insights into bioterrorism, this book will be useful reading for anyone interested in national security and public health, as well as students who want to know what forms biological warfare may take and what can be done to counteract it. Recommended. All levels. -Choice ?In this book, ten experts detail the threats posed by bio-weapons and assess the current state of US biological defenses. They highlight the future prospects for biological warfare, bio-weapons in the Middle East, potential agroterrorism, the emerging bio-cruise missile threat, prevalent myths and likely scenarios, and the public health response. With its insights into bioterrorism, this book will be useful reading for anyone interested in national security and public health, as well as students who want to know what forms biological warfare may take and what can be done to counteract it. Recommended. All levels.?-Choice A timely introduction to one of the most complex threats facing America. From the history of illicit use of biological agents through the central role of public health in response and national policy for deterrence to the impact of biotechnology on future threats, the authors not only describe enormous challenges, but offer solutions. -Dannie Smith, Midwest Research Institute This book represents some of the best topics and authors on the topic of biodefense and is a valuable addition to any library dealing with asymmetric warfare defense and counterproliferations. I recommend this book as must read document to anyone seeking to quickly appreciate an overview of national policy on preparedness and response to biological warfare or bioterrorism. -Dr. Scott R. Lillibridge, University of Texas Health and Science Center, Houston

This book represents some of the best topics and authors on the topic of biodefense and is a valuable addition to any library dealing with asymmetric warfare defense and counterproliferations. I recommend this book as must read document to anyone seeking to quickly appreciate an overview of national policy on preparedness and response to biological warfare or bioterrorism. -Dr. Scott R. Lillibridge, University of Texas Health and Science Center, Houston

Author Information

JIM A. DAVIS, who holds a doctorate in Public Health and a degree in veterinary medicine, is Deputy Director at the USAF Counterproliferation Center. BARRY R. SCHNEIDER is Director of the USAF Counterproliferation Center at Maxwell Air Force Base and a Professor of International Relations at the Air War College.

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