Survey of Chemical and Biological Warfare - Monthly Review Press Classic Titles

Chemical and biological warfare (CBW) is the use of chemical or biological agents as weapons. CBW is a serious threat to global security, as it can cause mass casualties and has the potential to disrupt entire societies.

Survey of Chemical and Biological Warfar (Monthly Review Press Classic Titles Book 5)

by John Cookson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1905 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	425 pages

FREE

The history of CBW dates back to ancient times, when poisons and other toxic substances were used in warfare. However, the modern era of CBW began in the 19th century, with the development of chemical weapons such as chlorine and mustard gas. These weapons were used extensively in World War I, causing horrific injuries and deaths.

In the years following World War I, there was a growing international consensus against the use of CBW. However, despite this consensus, CBW was used again in World War II, most notably by Japan in its attacks on China. After the war, there was a renewed effort to ban CBW, and in 1972 the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) was adopted. The BWC prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons.

Despite the BWC, there have been several instances of CBW use in recent years. In 1988, Iraq used chemical weapons against its own Kurdish population. In 1995, the Aum Shinrikyo cult released sarin gas in the Tokyo subway system. And in 2017, North Korea used a chemical weapon to assassinate Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The threat of CBW remains a serious concern today. There are a number of countries that are believed to possess CBW weapons, and there is always the potential for terrorists to acquire and use these weapons. The use of CBW could have devastating consequences, and it is essential that the international community continues to work to prevent the use of these weapons.

The Science of CBW

Chemical and biological agents can be used to cause a wide range of injuries and deaths. Chemical agents can be classified into three main types: choking agents, blister agents, and nerve agents. Choking agents, such as chlorine and phosgene, damage the lungs and can cause suffocation. Blister agents, such as mustard gas and lewisite, cause severe burns and blisters. Nerve agents, such as sarin and VX, are highly toxic and can cause death within minutes.

Biological agents are living organisms that can cause disease. Biological agents can be classified into two main types: bacteria and viruses. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can cause a variety of infections, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, and anthrax. Viruses are even smaller than bacteria and can cause a variety of diseases, including influenza, measles, and HIV.

The effects of CBW can vary depending on the type of agent used, the dose, and the route of exposure. Some agents, such as nerve agents, can cause death within minutes. Others, such as bacteria, can take days or weeks to cause symptoms. The effects of CBW can also be long-lasting, causing chronic health problems or even death.

The Ethics of CBW

The use of CBW is a highly controversial issue. There are a number of ethical arguments against the use of CBW, including the following:

• CBW is indiscriminate. It can kill or injure anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or nationality.
• CBW is cruel and inhumane. It causes horrific injuries and deaths.
• CBW is illegal. The use of CBW is prohibited by international law.

Despite these ethical arguments, there are some who believe that CBW can be justified in certain circumstances. For example, some argue that CBW could be used to deter an enemy from using weapons of mass destruction. Others argue that CBW could be used to incapacitate an enemy without causing permanent harm.

The debate over the ethics of CBW is likely to continue for many years to come. There are no easy answers, and the issue is ultimately a matter of personal conscience.

Modern-Day Threats of CBW

The threat of CBW remains a serious concern today. There are a number of countries that are believed to possess CBW weapons, and there is always the potential for terrorists to acquire and use these weapons. The use of CBW could have devastating consequences, and it is essential that the international community continues to work to prevent the use of these weapons.

There are a number of ways to prevent the use of CBW. These include:

• Strengthening international law against CBW.
• Improving international cooperation to prevent the proliferation of CBW weapons.
• Developing new technologies to detect and defend against CBW attacks.
• Educating the public about the dangers of CBW.

By working together, we can help to prevent the use of CBW and protect our world from this terrible threat.

Survey of Chemical and Biological Warfar (Monthly Review Press Classic Titles Book 5)

by John Cookson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1905 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	425 pages

FREE