The Future of Biological Weapons

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The know-how and materials required to produce biological warfare agents are the same as those required for medical and veterinary products; biological warfare technology is quickly spreading across the globe. In this study, Barend ter Haar argues that a policy of nonproliferation might slow down the current trend toward worldwide deployment of biological weapons but it is ultimately doomed without a strengthened ban on them. Ter Haar discusses the Biological Weapons Convention of 1972, which did not categorically prohibit activities leading to biological weapons and failed to provide confidence-building measures and allegation procedures. He evaluates the confidence measures added in the 1986 Second Review Conference, and demonstrates how they were neglected by some countries. Ter Haar concludes that the Convention measures are almost unverifiable and proposes a stronger, universal ban that includes improved procedures, regular consultative meetings, extended information exchange restrictions, routine verification, challenge inspections, and other measures. This study is a resource for professionals, students, and scholars of diplomacy, disarmament, international relations, and the protection of the environment.

Reviews

"This comprehensive and well-researched description of the origins and anatomy of the Biological Weapons Convention should be welcomed by those working in the fields of microbiology and public health as well as by anyone interested in arms control and foreign affairs. Its publication is particularly timely coming on the eve of the Third Review Conference of the Parties to the Convention where measures for strengthening confidence in the treaty regime will be on the agenda. Mr. ter Haar's prescriptions for improving the treaty's health will provide a stimulus to serious thinking on this too often neglected area of arms control."-Charles C. Flowerree Former U.S. Representative to the Conference of Disarmament and Head of the U.S. delegation to the First Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention
"This volume brings to readers of the Washington Papers a clear and authoritative statement by a uniquely qualified diplomat working to bring weapons of mass destruction under effective international control. Drawing on his experience as the Netherlands representative at conferences on both chemical and biological weapons, he points to work still needed to create a strong, verifiable Biological Weapons Convention. This is essential reading for anyone desiring a better understanding of the issues involved."- David D. Newson Director, Institute for the Study of Diplomacy Georgetown University Former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs
The Future of Biological Weapons provides an excellent survey of the diplomatic history of biological weapons disarmament and efforts toward, and prospects for, achieving meaningful disarmament.-Military Review
"The Future of Biological Weapons provides an excellent survey of the diplomatic history of biological weapons disarmament and efforts toward, and prospects for, achieving meaningful disarmament."-Military Review

Author Bio

BAREND ter HAAR is a diplomat with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a member of the Netherlands delegation to NATO. He has written numerous articles on disarmament and arms control for the enforcement of international environmental agreements.