The life and chemical sciences are in the midst of a period of rapid and revolutionary transformation that will undoubtedly bring societal benefits but also have potentially malign applications, notably in the development of chemical weapons. Such concerns are exacerbated by the unstable international security environment and the changing nature of armed conflict, which could fuel a desire by certain States to retain and use existing chemical weapons, as well as increase State interest in creating new weapons; whilst a broader range of actors may seek to employ diverse toxic chemicals as improvised weapons. Stark indications of the multi-faceted dangers we face can be seen in the chemical weapons attacks against civilians and combatants in Iraq and Syria, and also in more targeted chemical assassination operations in Malaysia and the UK.
Using a multi-disciplinary approach, and drawing upon an international group of experts, this book analyses current and likely near-future advances in relevant science and technology, assessing the risks of their misuse. The book examines the current capabilities, limitations and failures of the existing international arms control and disarmament architecture - notably the Chemical Weapons Convention - in preventing the development and use of chemical weapons. Through the employment of a novel Holistic Arms Control methodology, the authors also look beyond the bounds of such treaties, to explore the full range of international law, international agreements and regulatory mechanisms potentially applicable to weapons employing toxic chemical agents, in order to develop recommendations for more effective routes to combat their proliferation and misuse. A particular emphasis is given to the roles that chemical and life scientists, health professionals and wider informed activist civil society can play in protecting the prohibition against poison and chemical weapons; and in working with States to build effective and responsive measures to ensure that the rapid scientific and technological advances are safeguarded from hostile use and are instead employed for the benefit of us all.
The Chemical Weapons Convention is today the most comprehensive arms control treaty worldwide; striking a balance between prohibited activities, while protecting the economic and industrial interests related to the peaceful uses of chemistry. This book will help to inform the discussions at the Fourth Review Conference, to keep the CWC viable and to sustain the support it needs from governmental as well as private institutions and enterprises. Ambassador Adolf Ritter von Wagner, Former Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Chemical Weapons, Conference on Disarmament
Important chemical, life and social science, and international law explained, with the optimism and peacefulness necessary to achieve a world permanently free of chemical weapons.
Dr Christopher M. Timperley, Chairperson of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) from 2015-2018
The Holistic Arms Control framework offers an innovative approach at a time when core provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention are threatened; the Fourth Review Conference is the moment for States Parties to act.
Stefan Mogl, Former SAB Chair and Member of OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism Leadership Panel.
Preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons requires the active engagement of all stakeholders. As this book demonstrates, science can provide powerful tools to assist in these efforts.
Professor Song Li, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering
Just as the end of the era of infectious disease was prematurely announced decades ago, events have shown that chemical weapons are not a thing of the past. This book provides the essential background for anyone concerned about this continuing scourge.
Professor Jonathan D. Moreno, Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania
Read this book. As we all try to establish a world free of weapons of mass destruction, these experts analyze the complexities of chemical and biological warfare and the importance of banning such inhumane weapons.
Paul F. Walker, Ph.D., Green Cross International, Coordinator of the CWC Coalition
