Ebook: A Web of Prevention: Biological Weapons, Life Sciences and the Future Governance of Research

Since September 11, governments and the public at large in many countries have raised serious concerns about scientific research in the life sciences that might inadvertently facilitate the development of biological or chemical weapons. This state-of-the-art volume examines the full extent of the issues and debates.Coverage includes an overview of recent scientific achievements in virology, microbiology, immunology and genetic engineering with a view to asking how they might facilitate the production of weapons of mass destruction by state, sub-state or terrorist organizations. Attention is given to what we have and haven’t learned from the past. Employing both academic analysis and reflections by practitioners, the book examines the security-inspired governance regimes for the life sciences that are under development. Ultimately the authors examine what is required to form a comprehensive and workable “web of prevention” and highlight the importance of encouraging discussions between academics and policy makers regarding the governance of vital but potentially dangerous research.