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WMD: The Terrorist Threat |  |
According to the research paper, “Defining Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)” by W. Seth Carus, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction at the National Defense University, the term WMD has a history in international diplomacy that extends back 60 years. WMD has been defined in various ways by the DoD and Joint Chiefs of Staff, and more than 40 different definitions are used throughout the U.S. executive branch as well as internationally. All agree that WMD includes nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. If WMD is defined in terms of traditional DoD war fighting activities, the definitions that focus on nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) threats and on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) are the most appropriate. However, if the focus of the WMD is homeland security and law enforcement agencies, then the inclusion of high-yield explosives (CBRNE) is appropriate. As Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates stated to the Senate Armed Services Committee on January 27, 2009, “…one of the greatest dangers we continue to face is the toxic mix of rogue nations; terrorist groups; and nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons.” Therefore, to be inclusive of several definitions and many types of threats, this list of resources includes information on accidental releases, toxic industrial material, biological pathogens, radioactive matter, and high-yield explosives that can cause devastating effects.
The DTIC® Review is compiled from recent technical reports in DTIC's database, and the selected documents and bibliography are representative of information available in DTIC's extensive collection. Additional references, including electronic resources, can be found at the end of the volume. Assistance with in-depth literature searches may be requested by contacting the Reference Team, Network Services Division at the Defense Technical Information Center: (703) 767-8274/DSN 427-8274; FAX: (703) 767-8228; Email: ref@dtic.mil.
