Biological Detection Capabilities
- The Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (BWC). http://disarmament.un.org/treaties/t/bwc/text US
publication BWC. https://www.state.gov/biological-weapons-convention/
Please read the entire text of the BWC. It is possibly the shortest treaty ever developed. In addition to the
broad prohibitions in Article I, it is important to know that Article X was strongly fought for by the Non-Aligned
Movement (NAM) as they were concerned that the Western countries would use Article I to restrict the benefits
of the advancements in science to themselves.
Also note that treaties do not bind individual citizens of countries even when they are signed by that country.
So, the implementing legislation was (finally) signed into law in 1989… twenty years after the Nixon decision
and 17 years after the US signed the BWC. (Think about why that might be? What would have motivated
Congress to act in 1989 when it would not previously?) - Numerous Biodefense policies – executive orders, international treaties, strategies, legislation – have been
issued. For an excellent overview of policies through 2009, see the LLNL Biodefense Strategy Primer at:
https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=20273 - Read HSPD-10: Biodefense for the 21st Century. https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=784400
- Be familiar with the National Response Framework (2016).
https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/frameworks/response
Discussion: How do these addresses
(1) the threat of biological warfare (state programs);
(2) the threat of bioterrorism; and
(3) the threat of EIDs, accidental releases and/or unintentional research results? Are they sufficient? Please
include any changes/modifications you believe are needed.