Problem:
Technological advancement is poised to continue accelerating, and with it, the potential threat posed by non-state actors seeking access to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is likely to increase. The growing availability of technical knowledge, materials, components, and specialized data-often freely accessible online-has contributed significantly to what scholars have identified as a "rise in the risk of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism" (Vicar & Vicar, 2011, p. 21).
As technology becomes increasingly democratized, it is not only plausible but probable that non-state actors will attempt to acquire and potentially deploy WMDs. This emerging reality is driven by three primary trends: broader access to advanced scientific tools and knowledge, the dual-use nature of many technologies, and the growing sophistication of non-state groups (Ackerman & Jacome, 2018). Perhaps most concerning is the accelerating pace of technological breakthroughs, which challenges even the most advanced intelligence agencies' ability to monitor, assess, and respond to global WMD-related developments.
The digital era has dramatically lowered the barriers to acquiring scientific expertise. Information that was once restricted to state actors is now readily available to the public. For instance, blueprints for rudimentary nuclear devices can be found online, and the chemical formulations for lethal agents such as sarin and VX are accessible through open-source platforms. Although acquiring fissile material for a nuclear weapon remains a significant challenge, the technical knowledge required to build such a device is no longer a major obstacle (Ackerman & Jacome, 2018).
Furthermore, emerging domains such as materials science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, robotics, automation, and communication technologies are likely to enable the creation of novel forms of WMDs that have not yet been deployed or may not even currently exist. The increasing affordability and availability of commercial laboratory equipment and open-source scientific literature have created an environment where terrorist organizations could more feasibly attempt the development of chemical or biological agents (Leitenberg, 2005).
Nevertheless, despite these technological enablers, considerable barriers remain. Producing and deploying WMDs still requires a high degree of technical skill, access to restricted materials, and the capability to execute complex operations. Additionally, international efforts to regulate and monitor the proliferation of hazardous technologies play a critical role in mitigating the threat. Cooperative global initiatives, export controls, and intelligence-sharing networks are essential tools in the ongoing effort to prevent WMD terrorism. Send Peers Response To This Discussion And With Citation. Need Assignment Help?