Chemical and Biological Weapons

Exploring and addressing the threats posed by chemical and biological weapons to international and national security

Recent events in Iraq, Malaysia, Syria, and the United Kingdom have given a new prominence to the threat posed by chemical and biological weapons, although researchers at the Centre for Science and Security Studies (CSSS) have carried out research on these issues over the last ten years. 

In addition to questions about proliferation and use, by both state and non-state actors, the overall health of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CSC) is a key focus of investigation. This includes questions about compliance and the response to violations.

Work at the Centre helps generate policy engagement with key actors. For example, novel approaches to BWC transparency and trust-building are being developed in partnership with BWC states parties, outlined in policy documents submitted to BWC meetings by, amongst others, the United Kingdom (2014), Germany (2016), Georgia (2018), and Portugal (2019 (PDF).

Chemical weapons

• Geoffrey Chapman, Hassan Elbahtimy, Susan B. Martin, ‘The Future of Chemical Weapons: Implications from the Syrian Civil War,’ 13 August 2018, Journal of Security Studies.
• Abdulkarim Ekzayez, M. Daniel Flecknoe, Louis Lillywhite, Preeti Patel, Andreas Papamichail, Hassan Elbahtimy ‘Chemical Weapons and public health: assessing impact and responses,’ 5 December 2019, Journal of Public Health.
• Geoffrey Chapman, ‘Chemical spill over: How the upcoming OPCW report on Syria could impact nuclear arms control,’ 2 March 2020, European Leadership Network.
• Geoffrey Chapman,‘Islamic State and Al-Nusra: Exploring Determinants of Chemical Weapons Usage Patterns,’ December 2017, Perspectives on Terrorism.
  

Biological weapons

• Anne L. Clunan, Peter R. Lavoy, Susan B. Martin,  ‘Terrorism, War, or Disease?: Unraveling the Use of Biological Weapons,’ 2008, Stanford University Press.
• Filipa Lentzos, ‘Compliance and Enforcement in the Biological Weapons Regime,’ 2019, WMDCE Series No. 4. Geneva, Switzerland: UNIDIR.
• 21st Century Biodefence: Risks, Trade-Offs & Responsible Science
• Susan B. Martin,  ‘The Role of Biological Weapons in International Politics: The Real Military Revolution,’ Journal of Strategic Studies, Volume 25, 2002 - Issue 1