Overview

Often described as the misuse of science, chemical and biological weapons have incurred widespread opposition over the years. Despite condemnation from the United Nations, governments and the disarmament lobby, they remain very real options for rogue states and terrorists. This much-needed history examines the similarities and differences between the two types of weapons, and how technological advancements have led to tactical innovations in their use. Global efforts to restrain their use, with deterrence and disarmament being the major issues, are also discussed. From the widespread gas warfare used in the First World War to Saddam Hussein's attacks on the Iraqi Kurds, this book gives a comprehensive chronological account of why, where and when such weapons were used or suspected to be deployed.

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9781861896513

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This concise work, with its extensive references and bibliography, will be of interest to all students and professionals in the fields of history, political science, public policy, toxicology, and chemical technology. Recommended. -- Choice --R.E. Buntrock "Choice "

'...his previous forays into this subject have made him the Chemical Biological Weapons professionals' author and this book does nothing to diminish this view. It is also timely.' - British Army <br>

This concise work, with its extensive references and bibliography, will be of interest to all students and professionals in the fields of history, political science, public policy, toxicology, and chemical technology. Recommended. --R.E. Buntrock Choice A comprehensive overview of the development, future, and implications of biological and chemical weapons. Spiers's book traces the origins of chemical and biological warfare from their ancient beginnings to the first major use of gas in 1915 in World War I, to more recent uses and suspicions of use. --Arms Control A succinct and readily accessible account of the history and key issues associated with chemical and biological weapons from World War I to the present. . . . An excellent overview of an often underappreciated segment of 20th- and 21st-century security studies. . . . It deserves the thoughtful attention of both students and professionals. --Military Review

This concise work, with its extensive references and bibliography, will be of interest to all students and professionals in the fields of history, political science, public policy, toxicology, and chemical technology. Recommended.--R.E. Buntrock Choice A comprehensive overview of the development, future, and implications of biological and chemical weapons. Spiers's book traces the origins of chemical and biological warfare from their ancient beginnings to the first major use of gas in 1915 in World War I, to more recent uses and suspicions of use. -- Arms Control A succinct and readily accessible account of the history and key issues associated with chemical and biological weapons from World War I to the present. . . . An excellent overview of an often underappreciated segment of 20th- and 21st-century security studies. . . . It deserves the thoughtful attention of both students and professionals. -- Military Review

Author Information

Edward M. Spiers is a Professor of Strategic Studies and the Pro-Dean of Research in the Faculty of Arts at Leeds University. He is the author of many books, including Weapons of Mass Destruction: Prospects for Proliferation, and has contributed to publications such as Intelligence and National Security, Journal of Strategic Studies and Defence Analysis.

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