Next Generation Bioweapons: Myth and Reality.

M Z FAISAL -- The words biological weapon had nearly be come a taboo because of worldwide rejec tion but COVID: 19 has again brought this: : non: traditional threat under discussion. This is because COVID has several characteristics of an ideal biological weapon, including a high transmission rate, long incubation period, and significant death rate.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that COVID was developed as a bioweapon. However, biotechnology and genetic engineering have advanced to levels where they can manipulate genes to create new pathogenic characteristics such as enhanced infectivity, increased survivability, rapid spread, and resistance to drugs. Such organisms with strengthened features and enhanced efficacy can possibly be the 'Next Generation Bioweapons'. whereas gene: editing tools are used to modify an organism's DNA with the main purpose of finding cures for diseases, it's not hard to imagine how such dual: use technologies could be misused. Reportedly the advanced nations have the dual: use potential to move from lifesaving vaccine production to life: taking bioweapons production in a matter of days. The study of DNA has identified prospects where future bioweapons, referred to as biogenetic weapons, could target specific ethnic groups and carry out ethnic cleansing.

Also, genetic variation between plants and animals can be used to target specific crops and animals. Studies on getting rid of environmental pollution aim to create bioagents that can eat substances such as plastic, metal, etc. This agent, if misused, can destroy, or render military equipment ineffective. It is feared that such developments may tempt states to weaponize such technologies and capabilities.

The same apprehension has been put in black and white in the most recent 'US National Biodefense Strategy' of October 2022 which warns, 'Nation: states and terrorist groups have found value in pursuing biological weapons,': 'and there can be no confidence that will change in the future.' In fact, people say that ww: 1 was conventional, ww: II was nuclear, and ww: III could be biological. whereas the probability of the use of bioweapons in the future is hard to predict, however, it is believed that (1) Under the strict conventions and global rejection, states may not indulge in the use of 'conventional' bioweapons either overtly or covertly, in an inter: state war or hybrid war (2) States may covertly use genetically enhanced future bioweapons, against...

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