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Description

This commentary examines how rapid advances in biotechnology are outpacing the ability of existing international agreements, especially the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), to effectively govern emerging risks. Dr. Giordano explains that technologies such as synthetic biology, gene editing, and AI-assisted biological design are creating capabilities that blur the line between legitimate research and potential misuse, leaving enforcement and oversight systems outdated. These developments expose a “treaty gap” in which governance does not match technological reality, undermining global norms against biological weaponization. Strengthening international governance frameworks, improving transparency and verification mechanisms, and incorporating emerging science into treaty language will be essential for preventing misuse while supporting beneficial innovation.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Biological and Chemical Issues, Arms Control and Nonproliferation, National Security

Publication Date

12-22-2025

Keywords

biotechnologies governance, Biological Weapons Convention, BWC gaps, synthetic biology, gene editing, AI in biology, biological weaponization risks, dual-use biotechnology, treaty modernization, international biosecurity, oversight mechanisms, biodefense norms, global governance

Biotechnologies and the Treaty Gap: Why Biological Weapons Governance Is Falling Behind; and Some Thoughts on How to Fix It

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