Term Paper on "Weapons of Mass Destruction (Wmds) or Chemical"

Term Paper 12 pages (3700 words) Sources: 2

[EXCERPT] . . . .

weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) or chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons suggests that the likelihood of terrorist organizations using these weapons is contingent upon the specific type of weapon involved ("Weapons of..."). As such, in an effort to answer this question as comprehensively as possible, there is a clear impetus to consider each of the different types of weapons and that they pose to the public.

Chemical Weapons: Scholars examining the scope and breadth of chemical weapons define these devices as "weapons using the toxic properties of chemical substances rather than their explosive properties to produce physical or physiological effects on an enemy" ("Weapons of..."). Although these types of weapons have been used by both the U.S. government and terrorist groups, research demonstrates that in order to produce mass causalities from chemical weapons, terrorists would need a significant amount of chemical agent. In addition, in order to effectively release the chemicals, the terrorists would need to consider how to prevent exposure to themselves. Because of the amounts needed to produce significant causalities and the potential impact of the chemicals on the terrorist, it is unlikely that this weapon would be used by a terrorist group ("Weapons of...").

Biological Weapons: Biological weapons are defined as a weapon that "disperses organisms, or micro-organisms to produce disease in humans, plants, and animals" ("Weapons of..."). Although biological weapons have been available for a number of years, terrorists would face notable challenges in using these weapons because they are difficult to disperse. Anthrax, for instance, is a powerful biological weapon. However, because terrorists cannot effectively create an aerosol version of this powder, dissemination of the virus for creating mass causalities is unlikely. Of all of the types of weapons that could be used for a terrorist attack, biological weapons are the least likely to be utilized ("Weapons of...").

Radiological Weapons: Radiological weapons "combine a conventional explosive with some from of radioactive material" ("Weapons of..."). Although these types of bombs can have a significant impact on human health, experts note that the use of this weapon would limit causalities to a specific geographical area. "Such an improvised device does no produce a chain reaction or nuclear detonation; it merely uses the explosive to spread radioactive material across a localized area" ("Weapons of..."). Although there are specific limitations to the number of casualties that can be produced by this weapon, scholars argue that various terrorists organizations have demonstrated efficacy in using these weapons. As such, the threat of a terrorist organization using this type of weapon is quite substantial ("Weapons of...").

Nuclear Weapons: Of all the weapons that could be used by terrorist organizations, nuclear weapons are the most dangerous. Scholars examining these weapons argue however that the technological barriers that exist when it comes to enriching the radioactive materials needed to create such a bomb often prohibit terrorist organizations from using these weapons. Despite this, the proliferation of nuclear arms in the last several years has drawn into question the ability of terrorist organizations to acquire nuclear materials. As more countries begin enriching uranium and plutonium to create electrical plants, there is considerable concern that terrorists will be able to access nuclear materials and use these weapons for an attack. Thus, with access to the right materials, the likelihood of terrorists using these weapons is quite high ("Weapons of...").

2. With the likelihood of terrorist organizations using specific CBRN weapons elucidated it is now possible to consider the effects of these weapons if they are used. Again, it is helpful to consider each of the weapons individually as each type of weapon will have notably different impacts.

Chemical Weapons: Researchers examining chemical weapons argue that these weapons include materials such as "mustard, tabun, sarin (GB), and nerve gas (G and V agents)" ("Weapons of..."). In most instances, these agents interact with the nervous system to produce paralysis of the body and the respiratory system. The end result is death. Although these weapons can clearly create horrific causalities, these weapons are not easy to disseminate. As such, the overall impact of a chemical weapon release will be mitigated by the geographical area in which the agent is introduced.

Biological Weapons: Although there are a host of biological weapons that could be used for a terrorist attack, research demonstrates that there are a host of "common" agents that are often used. These include: anthrax, botulinum toxin, ricin and smallpox. Considering first the impact of anthrax, scholars report that anthrax takes between one and six days to produce effects on its victims. Symptoms include: fever, malaise, fatigue, and shortness of breath, which can result in death if antibiotic treatment is not provided. Botulinum toxin produces symptoms which appear 24 to 36 hours after exposure include paralysis, which results in death. Ricin produces symptoms within hours after exposure and can include fever and pulmonary edema. Once exposure has occurred, there is no treatment or cure. Smallpox is a highly contagious virus that can cause a severe rash and a high fever ("Weapons of...").

Radiological Weapons: Radiological bombs contain traditional radioactive materials that are dispersed through the detonation of a conventional bomb. While those directly exposed to the radiation may experience radiation sickness and increased rates of specific cancers, experts argue that the most notable threat produced by the dirty bomb is psychological. A dirty bomb can create considerable destruction that can be difficult to remediate. Further these bombs, once detonated can have a detrimental impact on the environment for years after the explosion ("Weapons of...").

Nuclear Weapons: Nuclear weapons appear to have the most potential to impact society. In the immediate vicinity of the blast site, individuals will be immediately vaporized. For those living outside of the immediate blast area, a host of medical maladies can result, including radiation sickness, which will result in death. Further out from the epicenter of the blast, individuals may be subject to a host of disease as environmental radiation erodes the immune system, making it difficult for the individual to ward of common diseases.

While the data provided above details the specific physical impacts that may result as a consequence of a CBRN weapon attack, it is evident that there are a host of psychological, social and economic impacts that would result as well. A terrorist attack like the one that occurred on September 11, 2001 would disrupt vital social and economic processes that affect all citizens across the globe. In addition, a terrorist attack would have substantial psychological implications as citizens come to terms with the destruction and loss of human life. This process undermines the safety and security of individual citizens and creates considerable social tension that can be difficult to mitigate.

3. The data on CBRN weapons provided thus far clearly indicates that there are substantial limitations to these devices. Even when materials are available, these weapons can be difficult to construct, transport and use in a manner that would create mass causalities. When placed in this perspective, the most notable question that arises is "What value would CBRN weapons have for a terrorist organization?" While the answers to this question are clearly dependent on the motivations of the terrorist organization, they demonstrate the psychological element of terrorism that is inherent to this practice.

To illustrate this point, one only needs to consider the terrorist organization that has selected to use a weapon of mass destruction to make a political or ideological statement. Given the limitations of these devices, it is reasonable to assume that the terrorist organization will not be able to create mass causalities. However, if the weapon is used at a time a place that is not suspect, the end result will be the creation of fear. When the terrorist organization is successful, it not only makes its presence known, it also highlights vulnerabilities that make every person afraid that the same thing will happen in the future. It is this fear that is at the center of terrorist activities.

The fear that is created as a result of a terrorist attack has the propensity to prompt widespread changes in society. In addition to creating a culture of fear, individuals may choose not to engage in certain activities or events in an effort to avoid the threat of terrorism. As a result of this specific action, economic activity declines. Given that approximately 70% of the GPD in the U.S. is contingent upon consumer spending, a decline in this area will clearly have ramifications for the economic health of the country. The recession that occurred in 2001 was exacerbated by the September 11th terrorist attacks, demonstrating this point.

Based on this data, it becomes evident that the value of a weapon of mass destruction to a terrorist is not in the casualties that are produced as a result of the initial attack. Rather the value is derived from the outcomes that are achieved in the aftermath of the event. This is one of the reasons why President Bush encouraged American citizens to continue their lives… READ MORE

How to Reference "Weapons of Mass Destruction (Wmds) or Chemical" Term Paper in a Bibliography

Related Term Papers:

Weapons of Mass Destruction Before the Atomic Bomb Term Paper

Weapons of Mass Destruction Before the Invention of the Atomic Bomb

The term 'weapons of mass destruction' was allegedly first used in a report by the London Times in 1937.… read more

Term Paper 8 pages (2438 words) Sources: 10 Style: APA Topic: Military / Army / Navy / Marines

---

WMD Weapons of Mass Destruction Much Publicity Term Paper

WMD

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Much publicity has been given the issue of weapons of mass destruction in recent years, especially following the terrorist acts of 9/11. There is some… read more

Term Paper 4 pages (1331 words) Sources: 4 Style: Turabian Topic: Terrorism / Extremism / Radicalization

---

Weapons of Mass Destruction: Proliferation Control Term Paper

Control of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

The weapons of mass destruction (WMD) have created a long list of debates, arguments and even war. It could not be denied… read more

Term Paper 6 pages (1819 words) Sources: 5 Style: MLA Topic: Military / Army / Navy / Marines

---

WMD Iran's Weapons of Mass Destruction Essay

WMD

Iran's Weapons of Mass Destruction

The fear of unstable and/or unfriendly nations acquiring or building of weapons of mass destruction was a much greater source of fear in the… read more

Essay 4 pages (1212 words) Sources: 4 Style: Turabian Topic: Military / Army / Navy / Marines

---

Global Socioeconomic Perspectives Is the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Inevitable Term Paper

Global Social Economic Perspectives

Global Socioeconomic Perspectives: Is the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction inevitable?

Over the last several years, the issue of the proliferation of weapons of mass… read more

Term Paper 8 pages (2927 words) Sources: 6 Topic: Military / Army / Navy / Marines

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>