1. World problems
  2. International trade in biological weapons

International trade in biological weapons

  • Trade in biological warfare technology

Nature

The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention bars development and stockpiling of such agents. But that prohibition applies only to states, not private individuals or companies who can legally develop, produce and export biological weapons.

Incidence

According to a 1998 report, the prestigious Institut Pasteur in Paris had furnished Iraq with an attenuated strain of the so-called "Stern" vaccine in 1986-87. The American Type Culture Collection, in Rockvillem, Maryland, provided Iraq with three strains of the anthrax bacillus of the "vollum" type, which can cause anthrax. Austrian, Swedish and Swiss companies, which were not identified in the report, provided Iraq with fermentation tanks that can be used to grow germs.

Claim

International trade in biological weapons poses a grave threat to global security and public health. The potential for these weapons to fall into the hands of rogue states or terrorist organizations endangers millions of lives and undermines international stability. The lack of stringent regulations and oversight allows for the proliferation of deadly pathogens, making it imperative for nations to unite against this insidious trade. We must prioritize robust enforcement and international cooperation to combat this urgent and critical issue.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Counter-claim

It was normal for Institut Pasteur in Paris to provide Iraq with the bacillus since the request had been made by research centers.

Broader

Narrower

Botulism
Presentable

Aggravates

Aggravated by

Related

Strategy

Value

War
Yet to rate

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
  • Biosciences » Biology
  • Commerce » Trade
  • Defence » Arms
  • Defence » War
  • Technology » Technology
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    1A4N
    D8621
    DOCID
    11486210
    D7NID
    153755
    Last update
    Oct 4, 2020