HLSS 522 American Public University System Weapons of Mass Destruction Discussion
Four questions; (250) words response for each question. Please include references after the response of each question. Non-State Actors' Experience with WMD
After reading this week’s course material, choose one potential terrorist group that could potentially use WMD as a weapon. This could include domestic left or right groups, jihadists, lone wolfs, or other terrorist organizations. Explain their agenda and motive. Be sure to include a description of the WMD that they might use and how this WMD would further their organization's objectives.
Question One Theme & Note : Terrorist Experience with WMDsI want to provide one word of caution as we move forward; we will not be covering explosives as a part of this course on weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Granted, explosives and incendiaries are capable of being used as a WMD, especially fuel-air-explosives and thermobarics, but they are beyond the scope of this course. That is not to say that we will not be discussed as a means of dissemination for other agents and materials, but do not focus any of your papers solely on things like Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIEDs), or other types of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The other threat we won't be talking about is the cyber-threat. Like many of you, I believe that some types of cyber-attacks could constitute a WMD, but these are also beyond the scope of this course. That being said, Week Two really begins our discussion regarding the potential for sub-state actors using WMD/CBRN agents and materials.The very definition of weapon of mass destruction has been debated, and it has evolved over time. The first documented use of the term was by Archbishop of Canterbury William Lang, who wrote the following in a London Times article published in 1937:Resources;Strategic Culture and Violent Non-State Actors: Weapons of Mass Destruction and Asymmetrical Operations Concepts and CasesThe Islamic State and WMD: Assessing the Future ThreatAl Qaeda Weapons of Mass Destruction threat: Hype or reality?Mapping Far-right Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Terrorism Efforts in the West: Characteristics of Plots and Perpetrators for Future Threat AssessmentAvatars of the Earth: Radical Environmentalism and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Weapons 2. Chemical Weapons and Threats
Based on what you have learned through the course material and outside academic sources, assess what particular chemical weapon poses the most significant threat to the United States; analyze the means by which state or non-state actors could make or acquire this specific chemical weapon; and hypothesize the physiological, psychological and social impact of and attack using this weapon. Consider both recent uses of chemical weapons in Syria and the United Kingdom and how either of these methods of attack might be used in the United States.Sources;The Role of the Chemical Weapons Convention in Countering Chemical TerrorismRussians deadly nerve agent, explainedHistory of chemical warfareImprovised Chemical Dispersal Devices Detonated Against CiviliansAl Muthanna Chemical Weapons ComplexSyria: Death from Assads ChlorineEliminating Syrias chemical weapons: implications for addressing nuclear, biological, and chemical threats
3. Biological Weapons and Threats
Based on what you have learned through the course material and outside academic sources, analyze the impact of a specific biological weapon on a targeted population; then, analyze and hypothesize how that biological weapon would be used to result in mass destruction. Note: the last portion of this discussion is a position stance piece – you cannot select both – you need to pick a position and defend it (there is no right or wrong answer).
Sources;History of biological weapons: from poisoned darts to intentional epidemicsThe Tipping Point: Biological TerrorismViral bioterrorism: learning the lesson of Ebola virus in West Africa 2013 2015Bioterror in the Age of BiotechnologySalmonella bioterrorism: 25 years laterThe 1971 Smallpox Epidemic in Aralsk, Kazakhstan, and the Soviet Biological Warfare Program731: Two Versions of Hell4. AgroterrorismBased on the course material, examine the potential effects of agroterrorism, as a subset of biological terrorism, on the United States agricultural sector and economy. How significant of a threat do you view agroterrorism? What should be done to protect against this hazard?Sources;AgroterrorismThreats and Risks to U.S. Agriculture: An OverviewAgroterrorism: What is the threat and what can be done about itAgroterrorism: Threats to Americas economy and food supplyA Quick Glance at Agroterrorism ResponseAgriculture, Biological Weapons and Agrobioterrorism: A ReviewThe Living Weapon