The Critical Role of Scientists in Chemical and Biological Terrorism

This book challenges conventional wisdom by demonstrating that scientists, not terrorist leaders, are the true architects and decision-makers behind chemical and biological weapons (CBW) development. By exploring international terrorist groups in their efforts to develop CBW, from religious cults like the Rajneeshees in the United States and Aum Shinrikyo in Japan to the Sunni Islamic extremist organizations al-Qa’ida and ISIS, this book manuscript offers a unique look inside terrorist decision-making processes to determine who proposes, manages, and determines the outcome of such efforts. Although leaders may provide strategic vision, the book argues it is scientists who often propose the idea of CBW programs to advance their own position within their groups. The book analyses how once such programs begin, scientists—not leaders—select which CBW agents to pursue based on what they believe they can achieve, decide how best to pursue them based on what they know, and ultimately determine whether the effort succeeds or fails. At the intersection of counterterrorism and nonproliferation, this book will be of interest to researchers, academics, and advanced students in the fields of homeland security, terrorism, and military and security studies. It will also be a valuable resource for practitioners in law enforcement and intelligence.