Research Paper on "Counter Measurers and Neutralization of Weapons of Mass Destruction"

Research Paper 15 pages (4042 words) Sources: 15 Style: Turabian

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Countermeasures and Neutralization of Weapons of Mass Destruction

A common challenge impacting most government officials is, understanding how to neutralize WMD related threats. This is because tools and tactics are continually changing to counter what is being used by terrorist organizations. In this research project, we are looking at those strategies that are effective in mitigating the risks from these weapons. This is achieved through studying real world ideas and applications. Then, we are analyzing how to implement the latest solutions in order to enhance detection and enforcement. The combination of these factors allows us to introduce tools that will improve countermeasures and the neutralization of WMD materials. This is the point when these ideas can be used to boost safety.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Literature Review

Methodology

Findings

Summary

Introduction

Over the last several years, the issue of neutralizing the threat from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) has been increasingly brought to the forefront. This is because the total number of countries which are seeking to acquire this technology has increased dramatically. Evidence of this can be seen in a study that was conducted by the UN. They found that 80% of military spending is on conventional weapons. While 20% is focused primarily on the WMD related programs.

In a number of cases, rouge states such as Iran, North Korea and Syria have developed their own stockpiles. This has enabled some countries (i.e. North Korea) to successfully develop chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. While others (i.e. Iran and Syria), have stockpiles of chemical and biological agents. At the same time, they are working on actively developing nuclear weapons.

This is problematic, as any kind of successful development by these rouge states could result in them passing WMDs on to terrorist related organization.

To make matters worse, there are concerns that some of these governments (i.e. Syria) are not politically stable. This increases the odds that a certain amounts of these weapons will fall into to the hands of terrorists or militant organizations. If this were to happen, there is very realistic possibility that they could use WMDs on select population centers.

To prevent this from occurring, many governments have been imposing tight controls of these materials. In number of cases, this involves preemptively destroying targets that could possess these weapons or having covert operations to thwart any attempts to pass them onto to other groups. However, as the hostilities and uncertainties continue to increase, the overall scope of threat is rising exponentially. This means that there is a probability that some of these materials will be passed on successfully to rouge organizations. When this occurs, the odds increase of a major incident involving the use of WMDs.

To address these challenges there will be a focus on countermeasures and strategies for neutralization of these threats. This presents a puzzle requiring further research based upon the fact that the overall nature of the threat is evolving and the potential disruptions that this can cause to entire regions. To avoid any kind of negative fallout from the use of these materials requires implementing tactics that will monitor and directly deal with these issues. This means taking a proactive approach in watching and responding to any threats effectively.

These objectives will be achieved by looking at potential strategies that can be utilized in the process. To determine which techniques / tools are most effective requires conducting a literature review, discussing the methodology and analyzing the findings. Together, these elements will offer specific insights that will highlight the best strategies for preventing and neutralizing possible threats from WMDs.

Literature Review

The literature review is uncovering specific ideas and tools that can be utilized in helping to mitigate the threat from WMDs. This is accomplished by studying different scholarly sources and techniques. These insights will identify possible solutions and potential gaps that will be addressed by the research.

Monitoring and Cooperation

Monitoring and cooperation are important aspects of understanding and preventing a WMD attack. This is because most stockpiles are known and controlled by a few organizations. However, this is changing with technology making it easier for rouge states and terrorist groups to develop these weapons. To address these challenges, DaSilva (1999) believes that there needs to be greater coordination on the international level. This is when a larger task force could be established to evaluate and identify potential risks.

Moreover, he thinks that there needs to be an emphasis in following the provisions of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. This can be accomplished by having different players working together through establishing confidence building measures, improving communication and helping everyone to realize their importance in the process. According to DaSilva, this will make it easier to control and determine who has access to WMD related materials. This is the key in preventing rouge groups and states from developing this technology.

These ideas provide a good foundation. However, increased coordination has been utilized since the September 11th terrorist attacks. This means that many of his recommendation are currently in place. As a result, the ideas make sense and they provide some general background for improving coordination. Yet, they fall short in offering other insights which can help to specifically mitigate any kind of WMD related threats.

Vaccinations

A common proposal for dealing with the negative fallout from any kind of WMD attack is to vaccinate the public against certain diseases. For instance, small pox has not been widely spread since a vaccine was developed in the mid-20th century. After this time, the disease has virtually disappeared with most people not receiving proper protection from it. If the different governments and health organizations; were to develop a massive vaccination campaign against these agents. It will help to reduce the adverse effects on the general public from an attack using these kinds of weapons.

Moreover, there needs to be a focus on improving the stockpiles for vaccines, drugs and other agents that can protect everyone. This means working with local officials by teaching them how to identify possible signs of a WMD attack, the proper techniques for treating / monitoring those who are impacted and how to address variety of challenges. This will ensure that local communities are prepared for the numerous threats they will face and the best way to respond. According to Sato (2011), these tactics will more effective in protecting everyone by allowing them to take steps in enhancing their own safety.

These ideas do provide some assistance about: improving public vaccine stockpiles, educating stakeholders and planning for possible contingencies. It also helps to identify areas to train and prepare local communities for potential threats from a WMD attack. However, there are gaps in the research with only select ideas discussed. In order to protect communities more steps must be taken to ensure that everyone is capable of understanding and effectively responding to these kinds of threats.

Identifying Targets that are Vulnerable

Identifying those targets that are most vulnerable has been utilized for planning and ensuring that there are enough resources to prevent a terrorist attack. In the past, this has been used to predict the target and method of attack. This has worked for the most part since September 11th. However, the changing nature of threats means that everyone must examine other approaches to determine the long-term impacts.

According to Barry (2012) a new emphasis must be utilized during this process with him saying, "The National Academies and others have suggested that a better approach may be to elicit information on adversary's preferences, perceptions, and capabilities and use this information to calculate probabilities of interest to DHS. Some terrorist groups are thinking about using weapons of mass destruction (WMD), each with its own values, perceptions of reality, and capabilities." This means that everyone must be concentrating on understanding specific targets that could be vulnerable from their reduced security presence. Moreover, there needs to be an emphasis on why specific groups are targeting certain areas and possible methods of conducting the attack. If this can occur, it will help communities to create a list of threats that are most vulnerable.

The information from this source is showing how there needs to be an emphasis on those targets that are susceptible inside communities. This is when they can establish infrastructure to support and protect it against a terrorist attack. When this takes place, the various stakeholders are more effectively prepared by understanding and responding to different threats. However, there are no specific tools or tactics mentioned about how to prepare for these kinds of situations. This is a major drawback of the literature, as it is offering everyone with more general ideas and no specific tools or techniques they could utilize.

Training and Technology

To combat a possible attack involving WMDs require using an all-encompassing strategy that is combining various ideas with the latest technology. This helps to improve monitoring and understanding the overall scope of the threat facing the various stakeholders. For instance, Vane (2009) determined that the U.S. Army has this kind… READ MORE

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