Review (PDF) Toxic Terror: Assessing Terrorist Use Of Chemical And Biological Weapons (BCSIA Studies In International Security)

                
              
Review (PDF) 
Toxic Terror: Assessing Terrorist Use Of Chemical And Biological Weapons (BCSIA Studies In International Security)
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.
Series: Belfer Center Studies in International Security
Paperback: 320 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 (9 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #668,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)   #125 in Books > History > Military > Weapons & Warfare > Biological & Chemical   #353 in Books > Textbooks > Social Sciences > Military Sciences   #1148 in Books > Textbooks > Social Sciences > Criminology
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.
I bought the book expecting the usual dry textbook delivery. Instead I was taken through terrorist plots from start to finishn in a manner that was unlike any other case study I have read. At times I did not want to put the book down because I wanted to know how the plot turned out. The author explains why the claim that some plots involved chemical weapons is implausable instead of trying to inflate the seriousness of every incident.And the last two appendixes where he discusses the psycology of terrorist groups and provides a brief but realistic discription of the different types of terrorist groups.Although the book does remind us that it was printed prior the 9/11 with the relative assumption that biological attack was not likely because: "In contrast, the hundreds of anthrax hoaxesinvolving envelopes lacked a plausible delivery system and hence are more of a nuisance than a serious danger." This comment is a perfect example of the 'illusion of safety' we were all living our lives under prior to 9/11.
This was required reading for a Bio Terrorism course and actually really enjoyed reading it. This is very informative about many different case studies that have happened involving terrorist activities. It tells you the story about what happen. Very good book and I normally hate required reading but this one is a keeper.
I purchased this book to write my final on the Alphabet Bomber. It contained the best account on the events leading to and after the attacks. I have not read the rest of the book but if it is as thorough as the alphabet bomber chapter than it is definitely worth the money.
Shocking as it may seem, I had to buy this book and send it to my brother, so he would begin to believe the delusions and insanity and reality of the Minnesota Patriots. These people live on your street, or in your town. Scary thought. Now I KNOW THE TRUTH.
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