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The Role of International Law in Preventing Military Misuse of the Biosciences and Biotechnology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 May 2016

Winfried Lang
Winfried Lang*
Affiliation:
Ballhausplatz 2, A-1014 Vienna, AUSTRIA
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Abstract

Recent advances in the biosciences and biotechnology erode confidence in the reliability of the Biological Weapons Convention (1972). During its review conferences (1980, 1986) concerns were expressed as to the military misuse of civil research. Although some improvements were achieved at these conferences, there still exist major deficiencies related to the definition of substances and activities to be controlled, to verification and to cooperation (transfer of technology). It is suggested that in light of the positive international climate an entirely new regime should be built. This endeavor might draw on experience acquired in environmental treaty making. An institution should be entrusted with adapting the scope of the regime (controlled substances and activities) to scientific progress, with monitoring compliance, and with organizing cooperation. Thus would be matched the rigidity of international law with the flexibility required by science and politics.

Type
Articles and Commentaries
Information
Politics and the Life Sciences , Volume 9 , Issue 1: Special Issue: Biotechnology and International Conflict , August 1990 , pp. 37 - 45
Copyright
Copyright © Association for Politics and the Life Sciences 

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