Toxic Terror: Assessing Terrorist Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (BCSIA Studies in International Security) [Paperback]

Jonathan B. Tucker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 25, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0262700719 | ISBN-13: 978-0262700719

Policymakers, scholars, and the news media have been alarmed by the potential for chemical and biological weapons (CBW) terrorism, and the U.S. Congress has allocated billions of dollars for counterterrorism and "consequence management" programs. Driving these concerns are the global spread of scientific knowledge and technology relevant to CBW terrorism and the vulnerability of civilian populations to chemical and biological attacks.Notably lacking from the analysis, however, has been a careful assessment of the terrorists themselves. What types of terrorist groups or individuals are both capable of acquiring chemical and biological weapons and motivated to use them, and for what purposes? Further, what types of toxic agents would probably be produced, and how would they be delivered?Answers to these questions would enable policymakers to prepare for the most likely contingencies. To this end, Toxic Terror provides in-depth case studies of twelve terrorist groups and individuals who, from 1946 to 1998, allegedly acquired or employed CBW agents. The cases were researched from primary sources, including court documents, interviews, and declassified government files.By comparing the twelve cases, the book identifies characteristic motivations and patterns of behavior associated with CBW terrorism and provides an empirical basis for prudent, cost-effective strategies of prevention and response.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This insightful study of the motivations and patterns of behavior of individuals and groups that have acquired or used chemical or biological weapons is long overdue. There is little doubt that modern society is vulnerable to such attacks, but to prepare for and respond to the threat we must understand who may threaten us." Senator Richard G. Lugar (R-Indiana)"Toxic Terror is a balanced and insightful assessment of the most serious threat facing the United States at the dawn of the twenty-first century." R. James Woolsey, former Director, Central Intelligence Agency

About the Author

The late Jonathan B. Tucker was a Senior Fellow at the Federation of American Scientists. He was the editor of Toxic Terror: Assessing Terrorist Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (MIT Press, 2000) and the author of Scourge: The Once and Future Threat of Smallpox and War of Nerves: Chemical Warfare from World War I to Al-Qaeda.

Product Details

• Paperback: 314 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (February 25, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262700719
• ISBN-13: 978-0262700719
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.6 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #321,840 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > History > Military > Weapons & Warfare > Biological & Chemical

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best case study volume on CBW terrorism March 24, 2002

By K. Bondelli

Format:Paperback

Tucker's collection of case studies involving the use or attempted use of chemical or biological weapons is truly excellent. It not only gives in-depth histories for each of the cases, but it also presents an analytical approach to their interpretation. The book is concluded by comparing all of the case studies in order to determine potential patterns and characteristics that would be useful in identifying potential terrorists and thwarting their efforts before they could come to fruition. Each case profiles the people that are involved, including the personalities of leaders, technicians, and of the actual cadres. It evaluates where and why successes occurred, and also where failures prevented perfect execution. From this book you will learn what certain groups have targeted, what as led them to violence, and how they attempted to use CBW. The book also examines a few cases where it has been believed that CBW was used, but the evidence has indicated otherwise. This book is perfect for people who desire to study terrorism in-depth, and for the reader who would like to be informed of many cases of terrorism throughout the 20th century.

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another outstanding BCSIA volume. May 22, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Tucker's collection brings together analyses of all known historical usages of chemical and biological weapons (including toxins) by terrorists, as well as debunkings of three popular but apocryphal stories of such use. The book is absurdly thorough, and an invaluable historical resource, whether one agrees or not with the conclusions the editor draws from the collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Aum chapter January 8, 2013

By Kenneth E. Gray Jr.

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this book for the Aum Shin Rikyo attack chapter. This chapter was very informative. As some of the source material has either not been released, or is in Japanese, this is a very valuable resource.

I have not read the rest of the book, yet, but plan on doing so.