| ID | 194966 |
| Title Proper | COVID-19 Pandemic |
| Other Title Information | Catalyst or Complication for Bioterrorism? |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Koblentz, Gregory D ; Kiesel, Stevie |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates how an infectious disease can cause massive casualties, destabilize governments, and garner intense media attention as countries struggle to respond effectively. Will the pandemic inspire terrorist groups to consider biological weapons, hoping to replicate these effects? This question is the latest iteration of the debate over the risk posed by bioterrorism, which is characterized by three camps: optimists, pessimists, and pragmatists. This article revisits these schools of thought in light of COVID-19 and analyzes recent developments among extremists to assess the new risk of bioterrorism. The article concludes with recommendations for policymakers to mitigate this risk. |
| `In' analytical Note | Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Vol. 47, No.1-3; Jan-Mar 2024: p.154-180 |
| Key Words | Bioterrorism ; Covid-19 Pandemic ; Catalyst or Complication |