Weapons of Mass Destruction

Whether one is interested in learning about anthrax, sarin, the neutron bomb—or any other weapon of mass destruction—this thorough and detailed reference is the place to find answers.The threat posed by weapons of mass destruction (WMD), whether nuclear, radiological, chemical, or biological, is the number-one topic of concern for the intelligence community, first responders, policymakers, and myriad non-governmental organizations—and many members of the general public. This authoritative reference will serve all of those parties by covering the full spectrum of mass-casualty weapons. The guide will not only enable people to educate themselves, but also to separate the truth from the spurious information that abounds. The book offers an A-to-Z listing of major topics, making finding information about concepts, scientific theories, and realities of WMD fast and easy. While the framework of WMD goes back centuries, the major focus of this reference is on weapons that date from the use of chemical warfare in World War I. The book also covers WMD from the early nuclear era (World War II), the Cold War, and the present (Syria, North Korea, etc.). Each entry is written in a clear, accessible style and includes crucial background information, making this book an essential resource for both lay readers and specialists. Armed with this portable database, readers will have the confidence to deal with, discuss, or write about WMD of all kinds based on an understanding of relevant concepts, policies, and scientific fundamentals.Includes a comprehensive A-to-Z listing and discussion of significant weapons of mass destruction in their historical and present-day contextsOffers straightforward narratives that place these threats into a practical frameworkPresents the most crucial aspects about each WMD topic, distilling decades of research and analysisFeatures non-technical discussions of the fundamental concepts as well as the basic science concerning each WMD threat Analyzes the real and perceived threats of WMD from their beginnings in World War I into the future Provides primary source documents, including a full listing of Australia Group export controlled substances, technologies, and biological agents

"Some readers may find the scientific entries a bit technical, but they may expect to learn something new, even eye-opening upon picking up this well-written volume. VERDICT A helpful addition to any reference collection; relevant for ­under­graduates and public library users alike." - Library Journal, ". . .this reference tool would still be useful in libraries serving high school or undergraduate clientele." - ARBA

Eric A. Croddy specializes in weapons of mass destruction with a focus on chemical and biological warfare.Jeffrey A. Larsen,PhD, is president of Larsen Consulting Group.James J. Wirtz,PhD, is professor and Dean of the School of International Graduate Studies, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California.