Problem:
Technology has played a significant role in the development, advancement, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). As technology continues to evolve and grow, it is becoming increasingly more likely that not only non-state actors will attempt to obtain and potentially use WMD. This shift is mainly happening for three reasons: more people can access advanced tools and knowledge, many technologies have uses for both good and bad, and non-state actors are getting more sophisticated. In the past, creating weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear ones, was something only countries could pull off because it took vast amounts of resources, infrastructure, and expert knowledge. Take the Manhattan Project, for example. It required massive funding, top-notch scientists working together, and a lot of secrecy, which made it impossible for non-state actors to even think about it. But now, things have changed a lot. Technology has opened the door, making scientific information and tools available to almost anyone, not just major governments. For instance, you can find blueprints for basic nuclear devices online, and chemical formulas for dangerous agents like sarin or VX are readily accessible in public sources. While it's still tough to get the actual materials needed to make a nuclear bomb, the technical know-how isn't a huge hurdle anymore.
Biotechnology is one of the most concerning fields in this regard. This field, once limited to elite government labs done in secrecy, is now accessible to academic researchers and even DIY biologists. While most scientific advances are intended for beneficial purposes, there is always the dual-use nature of this technology, and it poses a significant threat. A small group of well-educated individuals could potentially engineer a virus with high lethality and transmissibility, replicating or surpassing the damage caused by naturally occurring pandemics. Additionally, technologies like 3D printing and drone manufacturing are quickly changing the playing field of warfare. These new technologies have made it easier to develop and deliver unconventional weapons, as seen in the media in the current war front in Ukraine. 3D printers can produce weapon components and delivery systems that are difficult to trace, while commercial drones can be modified to carry and disperse biological or chemical agents. These developments reduce the logistical challenges that once protected societies from non-state actors wielding WMDs.
Cyber capabilities further complicate the picture. While not traditional WMDs, cyber weapons can cause destruction and disruption on a massive scale. Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment plants, or nuclear facilities can result in widespread panic, economic disruption, and even physical harm. Non-state actors are increasingly taking advantage of cyber vulnerabilities, and with artificial intelligence and machine learning becoming a bigger part of our tech, the chances of automated or AI-driven cyberattacks are rising. These groups are getting smarter. Organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda have shown they can keep up with new technologies and quickly adjust to changes. They've used social media for recruiting, encrypted their communications, and even adopted drones for spying and attacks. As technology continues to evolve and grow, their methods will likely evolve. These factors make the potential use of WMDs possible. In short, as tech continues to grow and change, the chances that non-state actors might use WMDs also increase. With scientific knowledge becoming more accessible and dual-use technologies on the rise, it's easier than ever for these groups to access the resources they need. Governments and international organizations are trying to secure dangerous materials and manage new tech, but the fast pace of innovation makes it a tough job. We need to invest more in global nonproliferation efforts, scientific oversight, and international teamwork to tackle the risks from these tech-savvy non-state actors. Send Peers Response To This Discussion With Citation. Need Assignment Help?