Biological warfare (BW) is the use of living organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or toxins produced by living organisms, to cause death or injury in humans, animals, or plants (Gill, 2006). BW is a form of unconventional warfare, different from traditional tactics such as bullets or bombs, which are intended to cause mass destruction and fatalities (Barta et al., 2011). BW can have a significant impact on both civilian and military populations, causing long-term disruption to economies, political systems, and social structures (Meselson et al., 2001).
The modern history of BW begins in the 19th century with the development of germ theory. In 1855, French scientist Louis Pasteur demonstrated that microorganisms were to blame for diseases such as anthrax, cholera, and bubonic plague (Meselson et al., 2001). This led to a period of significant advances in the field of microbiology, which allowed scientists to develop ways to manipulate and weaponize living organisms. During World War I, both sides of the conflict experimented with BW, and in 1925, the Geneva Protocol was signed, forbidding the use of BW in warfare (Gill, 2006).
Despite this agreement, the use of BW continued into World War II, with both the Axis and Allied forces experimenting with and using biological agents in warfare (Gill, 2006). After the war, the United Nations, in 1972, passed the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), which banned the development, production, and stockpiling of BW (Barta et al., 2011). Despite this agreement, the threat of BW has continued to persist, with numerous countries, both developed and developing, suspected of developing and stockpiling BW agents (Meselson et al., 2001).
The threat of BW is a significant one, and one that must be taken seriously. BW agents are difficult to detect, and can cause significant damage in a short period of time (Gill, 2006). Additionally, the threat of BW is not limited to a single nation-state, as non-state actors can also obtain and use BW agents (Meselson et al., 2001). To combat this threat, governments around the world must take steps to strengthen the international conventions against the use of BW, as well as strengthen domestic laws and regulations against the development and stockpiling of BW agents (Barta et al., 2011).
In conclusion, BW is a serious threat to both civilian and military populations, and one that must be taken seriously. The modern history of BW dates back to the 19th century, and despite international agreements, the threat of BW has persisted. To address this threat, governments must take steps to strengthen international conventions, as well as strengthen domestic laws and regulations against the development and stockpiling of BW agents.
References
Barta, A., & et al. (2011). Biological warfare: A historical perspective. Trends in Microbiology, 19(6), 293–300. doi:10.1016/j.tim.2011.04.004
Gill, S. (2006). Biological warfare: A historical perspective. Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps, 152(1), 12–17. doi:10.1136/jramc-152-01-12
Meselson, M., & et al. (2001). The problem of biological warfare. Science, 291(5505), 1185–1189. doi:10.1126/science.291.5505.1185