The article discusses “The emerging threat of biological warfare in 21st century. Biological warfare’s history and today. Is COVID 19 a biological weapon? Biological warfare an emerging threat of 21st century.”
The Emerging Threat Of Biological Warfare in 21st Century
According to Steven Block, a professor of biological sciences and applied physics at Stanford University, “biological weapons are the poor man’s atom bomb.” He argued that rogue states and terrorist groups can use bioweapons to counteract the overwhelming military superiority of America and other nuclear powers. While Professor Block’s observation is valid, it does not capture the complete picture—there is also a significant possibility that superpower states might employ bioweapons against each other. Although the use of biological weapons is prohibited under customary international humanitarian law and is considered a war crime, biological warfare among the world’s most powerful states is emerging as a defining threat of the 21st century, with rival nations potentially opting for bioweapons instead of direct military conflict.
Fifth Generation Warfare/Hybrid Warfare
Historical examples illustrate the recurring use of bioweapons in warfare. In 1346 AD, the Mongols catapulted the bodies of plague victims over the walls of Kaffa on the Crimean Peninsula. Similarly, in 1495 AD, the Spanish reportedly distributed wine contaminated with leprosy-causing germs to their French foes as a covert tactic. In 1763 AD, the British allegedly distributed blankets from smallpox patients to Native Americans as a strategy of warfare. During the final months of World War II, Japan planned to target American civilians with plague under “Operation Cherry Blossom at Night,” scheduled for 22 September 1945. However, the operation was never executed, as Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945. Bioweapons are not only difficult to detect but also cost-effective and easy to deploy—qualities that make them especially attractive to rogue states and terrorist organizations.
‘biological weapons are the poor man’s atom bomb.’
The use of biological weapons has recurred throughout history, and if they were employed in the past, they could be used again in the present or future. The following paragraphs highlight reasons why biological warfare may be an inevitable aspect of modern conflict.
Recent international developments have identified biological warfare as an emerging threat of the 21st century. Among these developments is the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to perplex scientists. Experts remain uncertain about the virus’s origins and rapid global spread, and debates persist as to whether it emerged naturally or was engineered. Moreover, many Western countries—particularly the United States—have accused China of launching a biological attack through COVID-19.
While only powerful, developed states are capable of engaging in full-scale conventional wars to secure their interests, they are deterred from direct conflict by the fear of weapons of mass destruction, which could have devastating global consequences. A direct war between major powers might even escalate into a world war. Thus, to avoid catastrophic outcomes, nations might favor the use of biological weapons as a limited means of confrontation.
Another attractive aspect of biological warfare is its potential for limited and targeted application. Unlike conventional warfare, biowarfare can be confined to a specific area with clearly defined objectives. Moreover, biological weapons are typically difficult to detect, economical to develop, and easy to deploy. These factors not only lower the barrier for state use but also make them accessible to terrorist groups, thereby posing an even greater threat.
Despite prohibitions on their development and possession under international treaties and humanitarian law, many countries continue to stockpile biological weapons—and many have advanced their programs over time. As a result, numerous states now possess far more lethal and sophisticated bioweapons than in the past. For instance, in November 2020 an Anadolu Agency report noted that the Indonesian army had established a biological warfare unit to prepare for potential biological attacks. This example underscores how states, either directly or indirectly, are preparing for the possibility of biological conflict.
The threat of biological warfare was particularly pronounced during the COVID‑19 pandemic, as several Western countries, especially the United States, accused China of being responsible for the virus’s spread. Allegations have circulated suggesting that China deliberately unleashed the virus to undermine the U.S. economy and derive economic benefits from the ensuing crisis.
Historically, both the United States and the Soviet Union launched full-scale bioweapons manufacturing programs after World War II, developing systems such as aerosol sprays that could deliver viral and bacterial agents via aircraft or ballistic missile. However, in 1969 U.S. President Richard Nixon unilaterally ended America’s bioweapons program through an executive order, and by 1972 all U.S. stockpiles had been destroyed. That same year, 160 nations—including the United States, Russia, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea—signed a treaty banning all biological and chemical weapons. Unfortunately, the 1972 treaty has not achieved its intended objective, as several signatory states continue to maintain active bioweapons programs today.
References:
Help has been taken by the author in the preparation of above article from the given below websites.
- news.stanford.edu
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- wikipedia.org
- aa.com.tr
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