Policy Research

• Studies for Countering Biological Terrorism
• Project Guardian
• Efficacy and Safety of Stun Devices
• Shaping Science and Technology to Serve National Security
• Transitioning DARPA Technologies
• Far Future Warfare
• Division Internships

Future Weapons of Mass Destruction

The 20 th century witnessed a familiar path for each of the current categories of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)—nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological. This common lifecycle passes through each phase of conception, invention, development, deployment, stockpiling, stigmatization, rules creation, limitation framework development, stockpile reduction, and, theoretically at least, destruction.

This century will likely witness a similar inventive pursuit of new types of WMD, perhaps along similar known lifecycle paths. Yet globalization and the rate of technological evolution in today’s world have dramatically changed the rules of the game. Scientific knowledge and expertise is spreading to all corners of the globe; the infrastructure needed to create, stockpile, and employ WMD may become more difficult to detect and prevent; increasingly smaller groups and non-state actors play a growing role in international political affairs; and our mechanisms for limiting or preventing proliferation, and enforcing international standards are proving to be of declining effectiveness.

In an attempt to understand and positively influence future development of these potentially existential threats, a wise approach should be to survey both the current and foreseeable future landscape, analyze past lessons, and then project analogous potential permutations into future scenarios. One mechanism to accomplish this is to bring together a diverse group of practitioners, academics, and policymakers to begin to consider the directionalities and implications of these confluences on defense and international security policy. Our symposium is intended to begin this conversation.

While some particular lines of investigation have already been initiated (e.g., nanotechnology), and certain audiences have already focused their attention on some of these issues for either potential use, ethical concerns, or strategic impact (i.e., the Defense research and development agencies and the niche media), little cross-cutting dialogue has occurred to bring the divergent areas together for comprehensive consideration.

The December 11th symposium will consider three perspectives—technical, strategic, and ethical—on the discussion of future classes of WMD. The symposium is designed to bring together experts from each field to present and lead discussions with policymakers, academicians, and WMD specialists toward common understandings and greater agreement on cutting-edge technologies and their potential impact on national and international security.

The Stanley Foundation and the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies intend that this event will be the first such effort of many. We would appreciate any suggestions for improvement and directions for future work that this symposium may spur. We look forward to your participation.

Related Links:

Symposium Agenda (.pdf)

Symposium Press Release