Overview
Provides comprehensive coverage of emerging and re-emerging technologies that have the potential of changing the risk landscape of CBRN weapons and materials, and that can challenge past approaches to control proliferation risks
Combines a discussion of advances in “core” CBRN technologies with an analysis of the impact that other technologies have on the nature and scope of CBRN risks (including AI, information and cyber technologies, additive manufacturing, nanotechnology)
Highlights progress in technologies that can be used to mitigate CBRN treats, whilst at the same time identifying current limitations in such areas as CBRN forensics, agent detection, medical countermeasures, amongst others
Combines theoretical insight, technical information and analysis with practical guidance that can be used in developing training concepts, such as tabletop exercises
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Table of contents (16 chapters)
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The Changing CBRN Risk Landscape
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Evolving Risk Mitigation Strategies and Technologies
Keywords
- CBRN
- artificial intelligence
- hypersonic missile technology
- neuroscience based weapons
- cyber security
- nanomaterials
- forensics
- additive manufacturing
- 3D printing
- detection
- directed energy weapons
- drones
- UAVs
- improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
- nerve agent treatment
- hybrid warfare
- non-State actors
- governance
- biochemical engineering
About this book
21st-century safety and security risks emanating from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials – whether resulting from natural events, accidents or malevolent use - are increasingly shaped by technologies that enable their development, production or use in ways that differ from the past. Artificial intelligence, the use of cyberspace, the revolution in the life sciences, new manufacturing methods, new platforms and equipment for agent delivery, hypersonic weapons systems, information tools utilised in hybrid warfare – these and other technologies are reshaping the global security environment and CBRN landscape. They are leading to a growing potential for highly targeted violence, and they can lead to greater instability and vulnerability worldwide. At the same time, technology offers solutions to manage CBRN risks. Examples are faster detection, more accurate characterisation of the nature and origin of CBRN agents, new forensic investigation methods, or new medical treatments for victims of CBRN incidents. New educational concepts help to foster a culture of responsibility in science and technology and strengthen governance. New training methods help develop practical skills to manage CBRN risks more effectively.
The book concludes that there is a growing need for a holistic framework towards CBRN risk mitigation. Traditional arms control mechanisms such as global, regional or bilateral treaties and export controls are still needed, as they provide a necessary legal and institutional framework. But laws and technology denial alone will not suffice, and institutional mechanisms can at times be weak. Given the pace of technological progress and the diffusion of critical knowledge, tools and materials, policymakers must accept that CBRN risks cannot be eliminated altogether. Instead, society has to learn to manage these risks and develop resilience against them. This requires a “softer”, broadly based multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, industry, the research and development communities, educators, and civil society. Furthermore, educating policymakers that cutting-edge technologies may seriously affect global strategic stability could create incentives for developing a more creative and contemporary arms control strategy that fosters cooperation rather than incremental polarisation.
Editors and Affiliations
About the editors
Ralf Trapp (independent consultant) is a chemist and toxicologist by training. He has worked for more than 35 years on technical, legal and policy issues related to the disarmament of chemical and biological weapons. His field of work included verification and inspection methodologies, the assessment of the impact of advances in science and technology on arms control, and the relationship between arms control and international cooperation. He participated in the negotiations of the Chemical Weapons Convention, served 13 years in senior positions at the OPCW, and works today as a consultant on chemical and biological weapons arms control, safety and security. He has collaborated with, amongst others, the United Nations, the OPCW, the European Commission, the ICRC, and research groups such as the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the Harvard Sussex Programme, Bath University and Spiez Laboratory.
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: 21st Century Prometheus
Book Subtitle: Managing CBRN Safety and Security Affected by Cutting-Edge Technologies
Editors: Maurizio Martellini, Ralf Trapp
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28285-1
Publisher: Springer Cham
eBook Packages: Computer Science, Computer Science (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-030-28284-4Published: 12 March 2020
Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-28287-5Published: 26 August 2021
eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-28285-1Published: 11 March 2020
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XI, 370
Number of Illustrations: 6 b/w illustrations, 24 illustrations in colour
Topics: Security, Biochemical Engineering, Military and Defence Studies