NCJ Number
191810
Date Published
1998
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the advanced technology to counter biological terrorism.
Abstract
The United States needs to be more aware of the new, asymmetric strategic environment and its implications for national security. This report cites numerous threats to the security of the United States. The Defense Science Board, for example, had recounted an example of a rogue state launching a covert terror campaign against the United States; and the FBI is concerned about terrorist groups in its recent report on terrorism. As a consequence, the U.S. Cold War Defense Paradigm needs to be reconsidered systematically in the light of the emerging threat. The United States must harness its superiority in biotechnology to overcome its vulnerabilities to asymmetrical biological threats. A comprehensive strategy needs to be developed that features a time phased approach, so that an initial plan can be developed and the highest priority acquisition needs identified. Near term, a detailed plan and coherent organizational structure are needed to forge a strategic national effort to combat biological terror. Medium term, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies has recommended a strategy to counter biological threats that capitalizes on their latency. Longer term, the United States needs to develop advanced medical and other countermeasures that will overcome a broad spectrum of biological agents. In its initial study, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies identified certain advanced medical and non-medical countermeasure programs that have significant potential to counter biological terrorism, which were reviewed in this report. In the estimation of the Institute for Policy Studies, one of the most likely targets for biological attack were subway systems. A feasibility assessment should be made of a potentially promising approach to combating biological terrorism in subway systems identified by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. In general, although the difficulties of developing and fielding advanced technologies to counter biological terrorism are extremely challenging, in combination with effective policy innovations, several show great promise in helping to significantly reduce the threat of biological terrorism. A presentation to the International Conference on Threats in the Technological Age, Holon, Israel, March 18, 1998.