WMDCatastroph Terrorism

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Fears that terrorists might acquire and use weapons of mass destruction—chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons—first emerged in the early 1970s, focused originally on the possible terrorist acquisition of a nuclear device. By the start of the 21st century, policy-makers became equally fearful of chemical and biological terrorism. The course also will review the evolution of U.S. concerns about WMD terrorism and the evolution of policies to address those worries, especially since 2001. This course will provide a basic understanding of the technical aspects of CBRN terrorism, contrasting terrorist capabilities to employ chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological weapons with their employment by organized military forces. It also will review responses to CBRN terrorism, including the emergence of an international legal framework for addressing the threat.