Froland, Stig S.: Bioweapons

Biological weapons consist of living microbes and microbial toxins used as instruments of warfare. They have already been deployed in wars, terrorist attacks, and political assassinations. Today, they are more relevant than ever. This book provides a comprehensive overview of biological weapons, tracing their history from the past to the present. It recounts how the Scythians used snakes to poison their arrows, how smallpox was used against the indigenous populations of the Americas during the Seven Years' War, and how Japan waged a brutal campaign of biological warfare in China before and during World War II. The book also examines the biological weapons programs of various nations: from the investments made by the USA and the Soviet Union during the Cold War and the activities of South Africas "Doctor Death" to the involvement of a Canadian Nobel laureate in biological weapons development. It also discusses the controversial theory that modern virusessuch as HIV, COVID-19, or monkeypoxmight have been engineered as biological weapons. Furthermore, the book describes the use of biological weapons by terrorist organizations and criminals. The threat posed by biological weapons is growing; advances in biotechnology and synthetic biology now make it possible to create microbial weapons far more dangerous than those of the past. The book highlights how the development of artificial intelligence and drones significantly contributes to this risk. The future use of deadlier biological weapons could result in devastating pandemics, ecological catastrophes, and potentially even genocide. Consequently, effectively addressing the threat of biological weapons at both national and international levels is of paramount importance; the book also outlines how to respond to a biological weapons attack. There is a deafening public silence regarding the danger posed by biological weapons. Written in an accessible and engaging style, this book aims to break that silence.