Biometric technology has been afforded a central role in the security architecture that Western governments have forged since the events of 9/11 2001. With biometrics the body becomes the anchor of identification. In a security architecture centred on identification of persons of interest and determination of their status as friend or foe, biometrics has come to be praised for its supposedly exceptional capacity to identify reliably.
Topic:
Security, Government, Science and Technology, and Biosecurity
Jerry Warner, James Ramsbotham, Ewelina Tunia, and James J. Valdes
Publication Date:
05-2011
Content Type:
Working Paper
Abstract:
Evaluating the potential threats posed by advances in biotechnology, especially genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and synthetic biology remains a contentious issue. Some believe that, inevitably, these advances will lead to a catastrophic biological attack. Others believe that, despite these advances, the scientific and technical requirements, as well as the fundamental laws of natural selection will prevent such an attack.
Topic:
Security, Defense Policy, Terrorism, and Biosecurity
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies
Abstract:
The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies is a leading
transatlantic defense educational and security studies institution. It is bilaterally
supported by the U.S. and German governments and dedicated to the creation of
a more stable security environment by advancing democratic defense institutions
and relationships; promoting active, peaceful engagement; and enhancing
enduring partnerships among the nations of North America, Europe and Eurasia.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Terrorism, Biosecurity, and Counter-terrorism
The heart of this occasional paper is a translation of an official Soviet-era document titled “Report on Measures Taken to Contain and Eradicate the Smallpox Outbreak Locale in the City of Aralsk, September/October 1971.” This previously secret report describes and analyzes an outbreak of smallpox that occurred in autumn 1971 in Aralsk, a small city on the shore of the Aral Sea in what was then the Kazakhstan Soviet Socialist Republic. Ten persons became infected with smallpox, and three died, before the outbreak was successfully contained by means of quarantine, mass vaccination in Aralsk, and other public health measures. A contagious disease that killed about a third of its victims, smallpox was characterized by high fever, prostration, and a painful pustular rash on the face and body that left survivors with disfiguring facial scars.
Topic:
Health, Terrorism, War, Weapons of Mass Destruction, World Health Organization, and Biosecurity