VARANKMUN’24
DISEC
Study Guide
(Disarmament and International Security Committee)
Agenda item: Formulating Strategies to Prevent
The Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons
Written by: Vuslat Aslı Karataş-USG&Chair
Table of Concepts:
Welcome letter from the Secretary General
Welcome letter from the Under Secretary General
Introduction to the United Nations (UN)
Introduction to Disarmament and International Security Committee
(DISEC)
Definition of Key Terms
Introduction to the Agenda Item: Formulating Strategies to Prevent The
Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons
Biological Weapons (BW)
Chemical Weapons (CW)
History of Biological Warfare
History of Chemical Warfare
The International Norms Against CBW
1925 Geneva Protocol
1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
Major Parties Involved
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
Threats of Biological and Chemical Weapons
Proliferation Risks
Bioterrorism
Accidental Release
Questions to Ponder
Bibliography
Welcome letter from the Secretary General
Esteemed delegates,
It is my distinct honor and pleasure to welcome you to VarankMUN'24. My name is Barbaros
Şıracı, and I am privileged to serve as your Secretary-General for this year's conference.
In a world increasingly interconnected, the role of youth in addressing global challenges has
never been more critical. At VarankMUN'24, we aspire to cultivate a spirit of diplomacy,
collaboration, and innovation among our participants. Over the next few days, you will have the
unique opportunity to step into the shoes of international diplomats, engage in
thought-provoking debates, and contribute to meaningful resolutions.
At VarankMUN'24, we are committed to providing a dynamic and engaging platform for
tackling some of the most pressing issues facing our world today. From environmental
sustainability to international security and human rights, each committee and topic has been
thoughtfully selected to encourage rigorous debate and foster innovative solutions. This
conference is not just about discussing problems but about collaboratively exploring ways to
build a more equitable and prosperous global community. We believe that your ideas and
contributions will play a pivotal role in driving these conversations forward and in crafting
actionable resolutions.
VarankMUN'24 is more than just a conference; it is a community of passionate and driven
individuals from diverse backgrounds. This diversity is our strength, and it is through our
collective efforts that we can create a more inclusive and equitable world. I encourage you to
embrace this opportunity to learn from one another, challenge your perspectives, and forge
lasting friendships.
As you prepare for the sessions ahead, I urge you to remain open-minded, respectful, and
resilient. Diplomacy requires patience and empathy, and it is through these virtues that true
progress is made. Remember, every voice matters, and your contributions are vital to the success
of our deliberations.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to our academic team, whose tireless efforts have made
this conference possible. Their passion and commitment to excellence are the pillars upon which
VarankMUN'24 stands.
On behalf of the entire VarankMUN'24 team, I wish you an inspiring and rewarding experience.
Let us come together with purpose and optimism, ready to shape a better future for all.
Welcome to VarankMUN'24. Let the journey begin!
Warm regards,
Barbaros Şıracı
Secretary-General
Welcome letter from the Under Secretary General
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to VARANK MUNi 24. I am Vuslat Aslı Karataş and I will be serving as the
President Chair for the DISEC Committee. It is my utmost pleasure to have been provided
with the opportunity to be a President Chair for this conference.
MUN isn't purely based on diplomacy. It is also a terrific method to socialize and meet new
and interesting people. For the skilled delegates I am envisioning worthwhile discussions and
for those who are first timers, I advise that you attempt to contribute to the conference as
much as you can. Please feel free to articulate any of your concepts or motions to the entirety
of the house. I urge you all to come prepared. Please be extremely cautious not to make any
statements that will contradict your assigned country's political perspective on the given
agenda item.
Please use your time efficiently.
I hope our experience here will be pleasant. If you have any questions regarding the agenda
item please feel free to contact me via my email.
[Link]@[Link]
Sincerely,
Vuslat Aslı Karataş
P.S.
During the sessions the Chairboard may give verbal warnings if they view as necessary. This
may come off as hostile but it couldn't be further from the truth. The primary purpose of
warnings is not to judge your mistakes but to refine your skills and teach the correct ways.
The Chairboard, is not criticizing you but aiming to assist you on navigating MUN procedure
and provide you with the best experience. So, as you step into the committee room, shed the
perception that the Chairboard will be mean towards you. Remember that the Chairboard is
not your enemy but your ally in this experience. Embrace their guidance, seek their feedback
and learn from their expertise.
Good luck everybody!
Introduction to the United Nations (UN)
The United Nations (UN) is a global organization established on 24 October 1945. The main
reason for the UN to be created was for governments to find solutions to global concerns
through cooperation. Currently, the UN has 193 member States. The UN mainly comprises
the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the
Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. The UN is
trying to resolve global issues concerning human rights, health emergencies, peace and
security, gender equality, international peace and much more.
Introduction to Disarmament and International Security
Committee (DISEC)
The United Nations (UN) Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) was
the first Main Committee established in the General Assembly under the United Nations after
1945. Therefore it is referred to as “The First Committee”.
DISEC is also an institution of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
(UNODA). The UNODA deals with nuclear weapons and mass destruction and conventional
weapon disarmament. DISEC through its work conducted in the General Assembly for
substantive norm-setting support to further its disarmament initiatives.
The primary purpose of DISEC is to establish general principles of cooperation in the
maintenance of international peace and security. DISEC also prioritizes the principles
governing disarmament. It strives to achieve security throughout all regions and to protect
citizens across the globe.
Definition of Key Terms
Cholera: Cholera is a bacterial disease that spreads through
contaminated water and food. Cholera can cause severe diarrhea,
dehydration, and even death if the disease goes untreated.
Typhus: Typhus is a disease that spreads through lice. It causes fevers,
rashes and headaches.
Biological agents: Biological agents are bacterias, viruseses, fungus,
other microorganisms and their associated toxins. They have the ability
to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from
relatively mild, allergic reactions to serious medical conditions, even
death.
Pathogens: Pathogens is an infectious agent, or simply a germ which
may come as viruses, bacterias, protozoans, prions, viroids, or
funguses.
Non-pathogenic microbes: Non-pathogenic microbes are organisms
that do not afflict, hurt or kill another organism.
Bacillus Globigii: Bacillus Globigii is a species of black-pigmented
bacteria.
Anthrax: Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by a
spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. It is generally
acquired following contact with anthrax-infected animals or
anthrax-contaminated animal products.
Smallpox: Smallpox is contagious disease happens by the variola virus
Hepatitis: Hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by various viruses
which may lead to deadly health problems.
Parasitic infections: Parasitic infections are organisms that live off of
other living beings.
Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis is a temporary illness triggered by the
infection of the digestive system.
Salmonella: Salmonella infection is a common bacterial disease that
affects the intestinal tract. Salmonella bacteria typically live in animal
and human intestines and are excreted via feces.
Herbicides: Herbicides is a chemical which is used to control
unwanted vegetation.
Tear gas:Tear gas is a type of Chemical Weapon that stimulates the
nerves in the eye to make tears.
Agent Orange: Agent Orange is a type of Chemical Weapon the USA
used in the Vietnam War.
Sarin: Sarin is an artificially made human nerve agent.
Introduction to the Agenda Item: Formulating Strategies to
Prevent The Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons
Biological Weapons (BW)
Biological weapons (BW) or toxin weapons are artificially engineered microorganisms like
viruses, bacteria or fungi to deliberately cause disease and death to living beings. “Biological
agents' ' such as anthrax, botulinum toxin and plague pose major threats to public health and
safety due to them causing death in a short period of time. An attack involving infectious
biological agents may lead to epidemics. It is very likely that a biological agent will mimic a
natural cause, causing the public health assessment and response to get complicated. If in a
war or conflict, high-threat pathogens laboratories can be targeted, which might lead to
serious public health consequences.
Biological weapons, often referred to as unconventional weapons or weapons of mass
destruction, involve chemical, nuclear and radiological weapons. Biological weapons
delivery methods come in various forms. In the past the delivery of biological weapons were
made with missiles, bombs, hand grenades and rockets. A number of engineers have also
designed spray-tanks to be fitter to aircrafts, cars, trucks and even boats. It's documented that
efforts have been made to create devices for discreetly delivering harmful agents in
assassinations or sabotage operations.
Furthermore, the usage of biological weapons isn't only done by the States but also non-state
actors due to their generation of widespread fear. For instance, in 2001, letters containing
fatal anthrax spores were leaked through the US postal system. A more recent instance
occurred in 2014 and 2016, chemical weapons were used by Da’esh (Daesh, a.k.a ISIS, is a
transnational Salafi-jihadist group that formerly controlled territory in Iraq and Syria.) in Iraq
and Syria.
As long as information about weapons and their precursors remains readily available on the
Internet and commercial controls on precursors remain weak, the risk of individuals or
terrorist organizations using such weapons will remain high. Likewise, many biological
pathogens occur naturally in the environment; This makes it even more important to ensure
that countries are aware of the threat and have robust mitigation measures in place. Rapid
developments have been made in biotechnology in regards to genetics and genomics.
However such developments raise ethical social and political challenges for developed
nations because they open tremendous avenues for the creation of biological weapons.
Chemical Weapons (CW)
Chemical weapons (CW) are certain types of chemicals with toxic properties used to
deliberately cause death or harm . Munitions, devices and any type of equipment specifically
designed to use harmful chemicals also fall under the definition of CW. Among these could
be mortars, artillery shells, missiles, bombs, mines or spray tanks. A common conception of
chemical weapons is that the only form they come in is as poisonous substances delivered
through bombs or shells. While this is true, the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)
actually has a broader definition that bans many more things. According to the CWC, any
toxic chemical or ingredients to create precursors are chemical weapons. This includes all
such chemicals regardless of their origin or method of production and whether they are
produced in facilities, in munitions or elsewhere. However, for approved harmless uses,
quantities provided are viewed as appropriate.
History of Biological Warfare
Surprisingly, it was not the North American government that initiated the bioweapons
programme but the Nobel Prize winning discoverer of insulin Sir Federick Banting. Sir
Federick Banting created the first private biological weapon research center in 1940 during
World War II, with the assistance of corporate sponsors. Although there was little evidence
that the Germans planned to use such weapons, the United States eventually followed suit
due to Allied fears (especially Britain and France) of a German biological weapons attack. In
contrast, Japan had a large scale bioweapons program and even used them in their conquest
of China in World War II. In contrast, Japan had a major bioweapons program and even used
them in China. The Japanese attempts to obtain yellow fever virus legally, and then illegally,
from a New York institute in 1939 should have been a dead giveaway.
Shiro Ishii, Japan's World War II bioweapons program leader, viewed these weapons as a way
to achieve Japan's imperial goals. He started his research in 1930 at the Tokyo Army Medical
School and later became head of Japan's bioweapon programme during the Second World
War. Shiro Ishii's program was massive with nearly 5000 employees. They conducted cruel
human experiments and tested 25 diverse diseases on prisoners and even unsuspecting
civilians. It is documented that human experiments killed 600 prisoners per year. Through the
war, 1000 water wells located in China were poisoned by the Japanese army to research
cholera and typhus. The Japanese military operations during World War II involved dropping
plague-carrying fleas on Chinese villages which had a long lasting devastating effect.
Resulting in persistent outbreaks that claimed the lives of over 30,000 people, even after
Japan's surrender in 1945. Furthermore, Japanese troops used biological biological agents
against the USSR (The Soviet Union). However, it isn't known for certain if the deaths were
caused by the intentionally spreaded disease or by natural infections. After the war was over,
the Japanese biowarfare research facility was seized by the Soviets due to convicted war
crimes.
On the other hand, the USA granted the right to research in exchange for knowledge on their
human experiment. Masaji Kitano, the successor of Ishii, published several articles on the
human experiments and very disrespectfully changed ‘human’ with ‘monkey’ when referring
to the experiments in China.
Unfortunately for the USA, the information provided by the Ishii's bioweapon program wasn't
useful. The USA initiated its own biological program in 1941 on a small scale to form
defense tactics against the potential of Japanese bioweapon attack. But, studies indicate that
the USA used bioweapons offensively as well. After the war was over the USA conducted
open-air tests with pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes on animals, volunteers and
unwitting civilians. On the coasts of San Francisco and Virginia were infected by naval
vessels, infecting 800,000 people. In over 200 sites bacterial aerosols were released. The
most devastating test occurred in 1966 when the New York metro system was contaminated
with Bacillus Globigii. However it was abandoned by President Nixton upon realizing its
danger. The research eventually stopped in 1972. The ban of such development was signed by
the US with the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), improving the 1925
Geneva Protocol. The BTWC prohibited the use of chemical and biological weapons and
also research on bioweapons.
Even though the USSR signed the same treaty, it launched a confidential bioweapon program
named The Biopreparat. This program, with various facilities, employed 50,000 employees
and produced stockpiles of deadly agents like anthrax and smallpox. When virologist Nikolai
Ustinov died due to experimenting on himself, his followers realized the virus had mutated
into a more virulent form.
Through these experiments many accidents happened but got very little attention. In 1971, in
Aralsk (a city of Kazakhstan) smallpox broke out, killing 30 percent of the infected. It is
assumed that the infection spread from a bioweapons research center located on an island in
the Aral Sea. With the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the majority of bioweapon research was
eradicated. It is unknown whether or not these weapons were destroyed or not. Western
experts raise concern about this issue and state that these weapons might not be fully
destroyed and could be in the hands of dangerous actors.
Apart from government bioweapon programs, non-state actors and individuals have started
getting their hands on dangerous biological agents. For instance, the spread of hepatitis,
parasitic infections, severe diarrhea and gastroenteritis. A religious sect attempted to
interfere with an election by spreading Salmonella with salad bars. A Japanese cult, Aum
Shinrikyo, successfully launched a chemical attack in 1995 and released Sarin gas through
Tokyo subway killing 12 bypassers and severely injuring approximately 5,000 people.
Although the chemical attack was a success the cult struggled to disperse anthrax spores
effectively.
Such incidents highlight how easily such weapons and materials could be obtained and also
further illustrate the difficulty in disseminating biological agents in comparison to chemical
ones. Unfortunately, the anthrax attacks in 2001 in the USA were more successful. It has
caused casualties and a disturbing antibiotic use.
Bioweapons were not only used for mass harm but also as a political tactic by various parties.
Cuba often accused the US of possessions and usage of bioweapons. These allegations, later
proved to be wrong, were used as propaganda or justification for war. Such claims should not
be taken lightly, especially when they could lead to military action or increased research
spending. Examples include the British allegations of Germans using the Paris and London
subways to research bacteria and tests on animals before World War II. Although these
accusations were sustained, it played an important role in promoting British research on
anthrax.
During the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the USA was accused of deploying bioweapons and
conspiracy theories about HIV being used as a bioweapon rose. The problem is, these claims
can persist despite being debunked. This mistrust can go both ways, with Cuba accusing the
US of biological warfare as well. The key takeaway is to be wary of such accusations and
focus on evidence-based response.
This issue requires a balanced approach. Public awareness is important, though it may lead
to overreactions and mass fear. The research priority should be on existing and preventable
diseases rather than the potential but unconfirmed threats of biowarfare attacks.
History of Chemical Warfare
Chemical weapons are not new as they could be seen used in the distant past. In ancient times
Greek people would mix sulfur and pitch-resin to engulf enemies in poisonous fumes to fight
during the Trojan War. The dramatic shift to CW took place when Germany released chlorine
gas on Allied troops at Ypres, Belgian in 1915. This attack has been planned for months.
Nearly 6,000 gas tubes were installed by the Germans to use against the French Army.
Fritz Haber was the brilliant mind behind weaponizing chemistry for World War I. Although
chemistry was seen used in history as a weapon, Fritz Haber made a significant impact on
militarizing chemical weapons. He personally witnessed the horrific results of his work at
Ypres, the very first deployment of chemical weapons in modern history. Regardless of the
damage, Fritz Haber continued to advocate for chemical weapons, arguing that they were
more humane than artillery weapons. He directly contradicted the peace treaty ending World
War I by continuing to work on chemical weapons for Germany until 1933. This included
recommending a colleague to the Russians for their chemical weapons program and assisting
the Germans in a clandestine chemical weapons program. Haber's work in this area arguably
began the escalation of chemical warfare during the war, with Germany's use of mustard gas
in 1917 being met with retaliation by the Allies. The horrific consequences - 1.3 million
casualties and 90,000 deaths from a total of 125,000 tons of chemical weapons used - led to
the Geneva Protocol of 1925, a treaty prohibiting the first use of chemical weapons. Fritz
Haber’s impact wasn't fully negative. Fritz Haber also discovered the Haber-Bosh reaction.
This Nobel Prize-winning process for synthesizing ammonia led to the creation of affordable
fertilizers, revolutionizing agriculture and significantly boosting food production. Haber also
played a significant role in the improvement of 20th century electrochemistry and physical
chemistry.
In 1935 World War II, the Italians used mustard gas against Ethiopians, killing 15,000. The
Japanese also attacked China and Manchuria. In the World War in Europe, CW was not used
mainly because President Roosevelt declared that the USA will not be using CW unless the
Germans did. Germany on the other hand, produced 11,000 tonnes of Tabun around 1942 and
1945; unaware that the Allies did not have such a stockpile. People believed that Hitler would
not use CW. During World War II, President Roosevelt was asked to certify CW use on Iwo
Jima. This could have changed the direction of the war, however Roosevelt still refused to
use CW and did not certify the attack.
The USA used 11,000 tınes of herbicides and tear gas against the Vietnamese around 1962
and 1967. Although these tear gasses were not deemed to be that serious, soldiers that
suffered from Agent Orange would disagree. Many Southeast Asian countries accused the
USA of chemical warfare.
Around the 1980s, With the assistance of Western companies Iraq managed to develop CW.
Saddam Hussein’s Iraq used CW against Iran and Kurd citizens and killed approximately
50,000 people. During the Civil War in 2013 in Syria, the Assad regime killed nearly a
thousand people. Due to this Syria was forcefully added to the CWC by Russia. Many
nations, with the inclusion of The USA, collaborated to successfully eradicate a thousand
tonnes of Sarin and other dangerous chemicals in Syria.
The International Norms Against CBW
1925 Geneva Protocol
The 1925 Geneva Protocol ,signed on 17 June 1925 in Geneva, banns the use of chemical
weapons (asphyxiating, poisonous or other gasses, and of all analogous liquids) and any
kinds of Bacteriological and disease causing biological agents during warfare but does not
prohibit the production of stockpiles. Therefore, countries were still permitted to create CBW.
Regardless, the Geneva Protocol still holds great significance due to it being the first
international agreement on CBW and serves as a response to the cruel use of such weapons in
World War I. However, the main concern for the Geneva Protocol was that it lacked a
verification mechanism. It did not have a concrete system, making it difficult to hold
countries accountable for violations. It has also influenced the 1972 Biological and Toxin
Weapons Conventions Treaty, which banned all production of stockpiles.
1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
The 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Conventions (BTWC), is an international treaty
which was opened for signature in 1972 and got in the force in 1975 with 193 parties. This
treaty prohibits the development, production,use, acquisition, stockpiling, transfer and any
activity related to biological agents and toxin weapons with a more comprehensive approach
than the 1925 Geneva Protocol. Although everything listed previously is banned, the BTWC
encourages peaceful and safe biological research and cooperation and information exchange
to further improve security measures and avoid intentional or natural biological problems.
Even though the BTWC includes verification methods it is difficult to identify the use of the
research due to the verification methods being [Link] BTWC showcases a vital
international agreement for eliminating bioweapons and has certainty played an important
role in eliminating biological threats.
Major Parties Involved
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
(OPCW)
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is the implementing
body of the CWC. It was established in 1997 and currently it has 193 Member States with the
common objective to prevent the use of chemical weapons. The OPCW wishes to eradicate
all existing CW under international verification by the OPCW, monitor chemical industry to
prevent CW from re-emerging, provide safety and protection to States Parties against
chemical threats and foster international cooperation to strengthen implementation of the
Convention and promote peaceful uses of chemistry. The mission of the OPCW is to
implement the provisions of the CWC to achieve full disarmament of CW and end all threats
of CW.
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)
The Chemical Weapon Convention strives to eradicate weapons of mass destruction by
prohibiting the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer or use of
chemical weapons by States Parties. States Parties must take the necessary steps to enforce
the ban for the jurisdiction. In the CWC All 193 State Parties are obligated to disarm
chemically by eradicating stockpiles of CW they may hold and any facilities which produce
them, as well as any chemical weapons they abandoned in the past. States Parties have also
agreed to create a verification regime for certain toxic chemicals and their precursors. States
Parties can not refuse a surprise inspection by the convention to ensure chemicals are being
only used for their purpose.
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO is a specialized organization under the UN with 192 Member States with 6 regional
offices and 141 country offices. The WHOs the objection is to coordinate health affairs and to
gather information on public health concerns. About this topic, the WHO plays an important
part in mitigating the public health consequences of chemical and biological weapons attacks.
The WHO programmes provide technological assistance in various areas like disaster
preparedness, disease surveillance and chemical safety. The WHO also opens information on
outbreaks to the public and analyzes data about the possibility of biological warfare.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
FAO is an autonomous agency of the United Nations system with 175 Member States, and of
which the European Union is also a member organization.
Its Constitution requires that FAO shall furnish technical assistance to governments that may
request it. In collaboration with the governments concerned, such missions may be needed to
assist, to fulfill the obligations arising from their acceptance of the recommendations of the
United Nations Conference on Food and Agriculture and the Constitution of FAO.
FAO has not formally been involved in the control of biological and chemical weapons, but
is, however, prepared to play an active part within its broad mandate in providing technical
and humanitarian assistance. In recent years, FAO has contributed significantly in emergency
relief and rehabilitation when droughts, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, locust swarms,
livestock plagues, war, civil strife, and natural and man-made disasters have caused immense
suffering to the populations affected.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
The World Organisation for Animal Health is composed of the official veterinary services of
157 countries. Its three main goals are to inform governments of the occurrence and course of
animal diseases worldwide, and of ways to control these diseases, to provide international
coordination of research on, and control of, important animal diseases and to work towards
the harmonization of trade regulations for animals and animal products.
Although OIE has no programmes or activities with the specific objective of preventing or
reacting to biological warfare, the ongoing sharing of information on the occurrence,
prevention and control of animal diseases, including zoonoses, is relevant to this objective.
Senior animal health officials from all countries meet annually to discuss recent scientific
developments and to agree on matters of international importance affecting public veterinary
services. OIE has established an information system to collect and disseminate information
on outbreaks of animal diseases that are the most serious from the animal and public health
viewpoints. The urgency of dispatching information varies according to an internationally
agreed classification of diseases. OIE has an emergency fund that is available for sending
missions to developing countries in need of urgent technical assistance to investigate and
control outbreaks of animal diseases.
Threats of Biological and Chemical Weapons
Proliferation Risks
CBWs hold great threat for national and international peace and security. The fundamental
issue with CBWs is their accessibility. The knowledge, materials and technology to create
CBWs has become accessible around the globe. Pathogens could be found in nature and
research laboratories. What makes this even more alarming is that pathogens could now be
made from scratch with technologies available to the world.
Another crucial worry comes from the fact that these substances and technologies have
multiple uses; for example, they can be used for peaceful purposes in areas like medicine,
farming or industry but also quickly turned into something dangerous. This complication
makes it hard to monitor and manage the making and spreading of these agents as well as
their precursors. In some cases, even materials being produced for good reasons can be
secretly changed towards bad uses without getting noticed.
Increased accessibility further magnifies the risks of proliferation because some biological
agents and chemical substances needed for armament are easy to get or produce with basic
laboratory tools. This easy access reduces obstacles for countries and groups that are not
states to acquire these materials potentially turning them into weapons, increasing the chance
of misuse.
The advancement in technology, especially biotechnology and chemistry, has made it easier
to grow and spread biological or chemical weapons. For example, methods of genetic
manipulation can make biological substances more powerful or longer-lasting. Artificial
chemistry allows people to create new kinds of harmful compounds that were not possible
before. These changes increase the strength of those who might have these weapons and
make it harder for efforts against them to succeed completely.
The economic aspect of biological and chemical weapons is moreover similar to nuclear
armaments which makes them more appealing towards marginalized groups seeking abilities
that can cause great damage. Especially the cost-effectiveness and covert deployment
potential of these weapons make them easy-to-access options for both governmental and
non-governmental actors aiming to achieve strategic goals through unconventional means.
Working together around the world is very important to reduce the spread of risks. This can
be done by making arms control rules stronger, improving systems for checking facts, putting
in place better measures for keeping biology and chemicals safe, and creating good readiness
along with response abilities. If everyone works on these issues together, it will help protect
global safety as well as public health and the environment from threats of biological or
chemical weapons.
Bioterrorism
Bioterrorism is a planned and intentional non-state actor release of pathogenic strains and
biological agents such as viruses, bacteria and other germs to devastate a population. Even
though biological agents could be found naturally, in the case of bioterrorism it is possible
that the agents could have been altered to increase their ability to cause disease, make them
resistant to current medicines, or to increase their ability to be spread. With the rapidly
increasing changes in genetic modification in bio-molecular engineering and the production
of bioweapons is correlated.
Unfortunately the enhancements in bio-molecular engineering made it easier for terrorist
organizations to get access to more detrimental weapons. As we have mentioned it previously
in the Study Guide, bioweapons have been a threat for humans even in history. But now,
bioweapons have become even more fatal. Non-state actors have used bioweapons in the
past. Non-state actors are prone to attack metropolitan cities, big urban conglomeration, and
districts having international borders but no regime could be considered non-vulnerable. The
type of attack could differ based on the type of agents used. Aerosol mechanisms are likely to
be used if the objective is to infect a large population. Food and water contamination with
toxins could also be another method. Deliberate infiltration of infected animals, pests or
vectors through borders could be other modes of attack. Bioterrorism is not a case that should
be taken lightly.
Accidental Release
The accidental release of pathogens can cause a very major public health impact as it can lead
to outbreaks of infectious diseases within populations that are exposed to these pathogens.
This can result in many illnesses ranging from mild symptoms to fatal conditions depending
on the severity and transmission of said pathogen.
These illnesses may also cause varying social disruption and public outrage depending on the
severity of said illness caused by these biological agents. The symptoms caused by these
pathogens may not be serious at times, however it may lead to social disruption including
panic amongst the public, mistrust upon authorities, and stigmatization amongst affected
individuals. Misinformation regarding the illnesses caused by the biological agents can also
lead to the worsening of the public effect regarding the situation.
Social disruption can also lead to another kind of disruption, which is economic disruption.
These economic disruptions may be caused by increased healthcare costs due to the amount
of affected people, which may lead to pauses in more important research to find a cure for
said illness caused by these pathogens.
Another worry caused by accidental releases can be the challenge released upon governments
to provide swift responses to misinformation caused by the public. They may also be required
to make swift investigations that may not be 100% true as the type of pandemic these
pathogens may release can cause an internal panic within governments and force them to
conduct insufficient research and investigations. This may cause mistrust upon authorities as
the information provided by the investigations and researches may not be fully truthful, an
example for this is where misinformation was spread about the COVID-19 vaccines such as
neutering people, causing later health problems, etc.
These releases may be caused by inadequate security measurements in research facilities and
laboratories. These inadequate security measurements may include; improper monitoring
systems, unqualified workers interfering, not sealing biological agents properly, exposing
infected or contaminated animals or humans to the public, slip-ups, etc.
Questions to Ponder
How can countries counter bioterrorism?
Can we bring a limitation to biological and chemical energy/weapon
manufacturing?
How can countries address and detect the accuracy of possessions or
usage of CBWs allegations?
How can the UN be involved in the situation; in both militarily and
humanitarian ways?
How can countries strengthen international law frames to prevent the
usage and production of CBWs?
How can countries increase public awareness regarding the situation
without causing an outrage or mass fear?
How can countries improve global surveillance systems for detecting
outbreaks of diseases that could be naturally occurring or weaponized?
How can countries provide safety during chemical and biological
emergencies including accidents in chemical power plants etc?
How can countries implement international cooperation regarding the
usage of biological and chemical weapons?
How can countries improve biosafety and biosecurity protocols in
laboratories to prevent accidental or deliberate release of pathogens?
How can countries protect their citizens in case of a CBW attack?
How can countries enhance their verification for safe usages of biological
and chemical research?
How can countries enhance border and postal security in order to prevent
the transfer of biological agents such as anthrax?
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