Historical Dictionary of Nuclear, Biological & Chemical Warfare
Author | : | Benjamin C. Garrett, John Hart |
Year of Publication | : | 2010 |
Publisher | : | Pentagon Press |
ISBN - 13 | : | 9780810854840 |
Edition | : | First |
Language | : | English |
Binding | : | Hardcover |
Subject | : | Nuclear Warfare |
About the Book :
Human experience with nuclear, biological, and chemical
(NBC) warfare has been limited, especially in comparison to conventional forms
of warfare. Our experience with nuclear warfare is confined to a period of less
than one week during the end of World War II, when the United States
successfully used two nuclear weapons against targets in Japan. The course of
biological warfare and modern use of biological weapons are difficult to track
owing to the difficulty of differentiating deliberate use from natural
outbreaks. However, the keen potential of biological weapons in acts of terror
was shown in the mass disruption caused in the fall 2001 experience in the U.S.
with the release of anthrax through the American postal system. Chemical
weapons have been used in a handful of conflicts since their introduction to
modern warfare during World War I, most recently during the Iran-Iraq War
during the 1980s. Despite this limited experience, NBC warfare continues to
exert a certain fascination.
Through a chronology, a bibliography, an introductory essay, and dictionary
entries. Over 500 cross-referenced dictionary entries provide a unique
selection of terms related to NBC warfare, ranging from basic descriptions of
substances used in NBC warfare to details on incidents and episodes where NBC
weapons were used. Entries are structured around historical events, persons
important to NBC warfare, countries where such weapons have been developed or
used, and international treaties and treaty-related organizations.
About Author :
Benjamin C. Garrett serves as the Senior Scientist for Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) in the FBI Laboratory. During his 32 year professional career, he has held various positions in industry and government supporting the defense and intelligence communities.
John Hart is Head of the Chemical and Biological Warfare Programme of the Non-Proliferation and Export Control Project at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). He has worked for more than 10 years as a researcher in the arms control and disarmament field within academia and think tanks.