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Description
The United States faces a growing range of biological threats, including the potential use of increasingly sophisticated biological weapons. As advances in science and technology expand the scope of these risks, deterring biological attacks has become an urgent national security challenge. This study examines the U.S. Government's current approach to biological weapons deterrence, assesses existing tools and capabilities, and identifies key challenges to developing a more effective strategy. Drawing on research, expert interviews, and roundtable discussions, the paper argues that deterring biological threats requires a coordinated whole-of-government approach that integrates the capabilities and expertise of multiple federal agencies. This NDU INSS CSWMD research project was sponsored by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).
Document Type
Article
Topic(s)
Biological and Chemical Issues, Future Strategic Concepts, National Security
Publication Date
3-2026
Publisher
National Defense University
City
Washington, DC
Keywords
Biological Weapons, Biothreats, Biological Warfare, Deterrence, Strategic Deterrence, National Security, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Biosecurity, Biodefense, Whole-of-Government Approach, Department of Defense, Interagency Coordination
Recommended Citation
Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, "A Framework for Biological Weapons Deterrence" (2026). Research and Case Studies. 6.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/wmdcenter-research/6