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

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 conf...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Politics and the life sciences 1990-08, Vol.9 (1), p.37-45
Main Author: Lang, Winfried
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Articles and Commentaries
Biological Warfare
Biological weapons
Biotechnology
Developing countries
Disarmament
Environmental treaties
International cooperation
International Law
Military
Military technology
Technology
Technology transfer
Toxins
Treaties
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0730-9384
1471-5457
DOI:10.1017/S0730938400010200