Synopsis
"Deadly Cultures: Biological Weapons Since 1945" is a comprehensive overview of the history of biological weapons and their development since the end of World War II. Written by Mark Wheelis, Lajos Rózsa, and Malcolm Dando, the book explores the use of biological agents in warfare and terrorism, the ethical and moral implications of their use, and the scientific and technical challenges involved in their development and deployment.
The book is divided into three sections. The first section provides an overview of the history of biological warfare, starting with the use of plague-infected corpses by Mongol armies in the 14th century and tracing the development of biological weapons up to the end of World War II. The authors discuss the various biological agents that have been used as weapons over the centuries and the impact that their use has had on human societies.
The second section focuses on the post-World War II era and the emergence of state-sponsored biowarfare programs. The authors examine the development of these programs in the United States, the Soviet Union, and other countries, as well as the attempts by the international community to ban the use of biological weapons. They also discuss the challenges involved in detecting and responding to biological attacks.
The third section of the book explores the current state of biowarfare and the threats posed by bioterrorism. The authors examine the various biological agents that could be used as weapons, the challenges involved in producing and deploying these agents, and the potential consequences of a biological attack. They also discuss the various strategies that have been developed to prevent and respond to bioterrorism, including the development of vaccines and the establishment of surveillance systems.
Overall, "Deadly Cultures" provides a comprehensive overview of the history, science, and ethics of biological weapons. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and risks associated with this complex and dangerous technology.