Are We Prepared? Four WMD Crises That Could Transform U.S. Security: Failed WMD-armed State, Collapse of Nonproliferation Regime, Biological Terror Campaign, Nuclear Detonation in American City

Nonfiction, History, Military, Nuclear Warfare, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book Are We Prepared? Four WMD Crises That Could Transform U.S. Security: Failed WMD-armed State, Collapse of Nonproliferation Regime, Biological Terror Campaign, Nuclear Detonation in American City by Progressive Management, Progressive Management
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Progressive Management ISBN: 9781311127334
Publisher: Progressive Management Publication: February 4, 2016
Imprint: Smashwords Edition Language: English
Author: Progressive Management
ISBN: 9781311127334
Publisher: Progressive Management
Publication: February 4, 2016
Imprint: Smashwords Edition
Language: English

Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this report presents four weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-related scenarios that could plausibly occur and radically alter American domestic and national security agendas. Moreover, these scenarios, for which the United States is underprepared, portray challenges that the United States will not overcome shortly. Developing, institutionalizing, and supporting those policies, capabilities, and technologies to successfully overcome these challenges in all likelihood will take years. Consequently, we believe that this paper will continue to have relevance to policymakers, warfighters, responders, and the larger combating WMD community over the coming decade. For this reason, the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction has chosen to publish this report for a wider audience. We believe that the challenges, concepts, and recommended solutions herein will provide insight to students and practitioners alike.

The four scenarios: the United States and its allies have begun to fear the imminent collapse of the nonproliferation regime * a state known to possess a nuclear weapons capability and suspected of possessing both chemical and biological weapons programs stands on the brink of political collapse * analysis of samples from multiple BioWatch sensors has identified a large-scale release of aerosolized anthrax on the National Mall * witnesses have reported a blinding flash and mushroom cloud in the seaport area of a major U.S. city.

Taken together, these scenarios demonstrate the complex, multifaceted nature of the WMD challenge for American decisionmakers and illustrate the demands that such events could place on the entire apparatus of government, alliances, and the American people. Our findings are drawn from ongoing research conducted at the National Defense University's Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction and reflect nonpartisan perspectives and conclusions drawn from extensive interactions with scores of former and serving senior U.S. officials and nationally recognized subject matter experts. This introductory section presents findings and recommendations suitable for senior civilian and military leaders whose responsibilities include different aspects of the WMD challenge and require them to integrate their departments' activities with those of other departments and foreign governments to prevent proliferation, protect against the effects of proliferation, or respond to the consequences of WMD use. It also describes the present and evolving WMD threat, reviews first principles in combating WMD, and emphasizes the need to act decisively to meet today's challenges.

In recent years the U.S. Government has made considerable strides in preparing for individual aspects of such crises. New interdiction processes and activities have improved our ability to track proliferation-related activities and prepare to stop them. High-value programs are leveraging Cold War technologies to enhance the Nation's nuclear and biological forensics capabilities. Various nuclear and biological detection programs at home and at key ports and facilities abroad have enhanced our ability to stop the smuggling and transfer of WMD capabilities and improved our ability to detect and defend against WMD terrorism at home. As the number of WMD-related programs and activities has grown, however, the mechanisms necessary to coordinate and synchronize responses, adjudicate priorities, and allocate resources across the government have failed to keep pace.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this report presents four weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-related scenarios that could plausibly occur and radically alter American domestic and national security agendas. Moreover, these scenarios, for which the United States is underprepared, portray challenges that the United States will not overcome shortly. Developing, institutionalizing, and supporting those policies, capabilities, and technologies to successfully overcome these challenges in all likelihood will take years. Consequently, we believe that this paper will continue to have relevance to policymakers, warfighters, responders, and the larger combating WMD community over the coming decade. For this reason, the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction has chosen to publish this report for a wider audience. We believe that the challenges, concepts, and recommended solutions herein will provide insight to students and practitioners alike.

The four scenarios: the United States and its allies have begun to fear the imminent collapse of the nonproliferation regime * a state known to possess a nuclear weapons capability and suspected of possessing both chemical and biological weapons programs stands on the brink of political collapse * analysis of samples from multiple BioWatch sensors has identified a large-scale release of aerosolized anthrax on the National Mall * witnesses have reported a blinding flash and mushroom cloud in the seaport area of a major U.S. city.

Taken together, these scenarios demonstrate the complex, multifaceted nature of the WMD challenge for American decisionmakers and illustrate the demands that such events could place on the entire apparatus of government, alliances, and the American people. Our findings are drawn from ongoing research conducted at the National Defense University's Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction and reflect nonpartisan perspectives and conclusions drawn from extensive interactions with scores of former and serving senior U.S. officials and nationally recognized subject matter experts. This introductory section presents findings and recommendations suitable for senior civilian and military leaders whose responsibilities include different aspects of the WMD challenge and require them to integrate their departments' activities with those of other departments and foreign governments to prevent proliferation, protect against the effects of proliferation, or respond to the consequences of WMD use. It also describes the present and evolving WMD threat, reviews first principles in combating WMD, and emphasizes the need to act decisively to meet today's challenges.

In recent years the U.S. Government has made considerable strides in preparing for individual aspects of such crises. New interdiction processes and activities have improved our ability to track proliferation-related activities and prepare to stop them. High-value programs are leveraging Cold War technologies to enhance the Nation's nuclear and biological forensics capabilities. Various nuclear and biological detection programs at home and at key ports and facilities abroad have enhanced our ability to stop the smuggling and transfer of WMD capabilities and improved our ability to detect and defend against WMD terrorism at home. As the number of WMD-related programs and activities has grown, however, the mechanisms necessary to coordinate and synchronize responses, adjudicate priorities, and allocate resources across the government have failed to keep pace.

More books from Progressive Management

Cover of the book Fermilab Radiological Control Program Manual: ALARA, Radioactive Material Control, Waste Management, Dosimetry, Monitoring, Exposure, Health Support, Surveys, Accelerators by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Systems Engineering Analysis for Office Space Management: Multicriteria Decision-Making Framework for Organizations With Competing Objectives and Finite Resources, Los Angeles Air Force Base Study by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Colombia in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Spanish Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Society, Security, Military, Religion, Amazon, Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Narcotrafficking by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century FEMA Study Course: Introduction to NRF Incident Annexes (IS-830) - National Response Framework (NRF), Biological, Nuclear/Radiological, Mass Evacuation by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 2012 Essential Guide to Greece: Authoritative Coverage of Eurozone Crisis and Greek Economic Problems, Overview of All Aspects of the Nation and its People by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century U.S. Military Documents: Air Force Incident Management Guidance for Major Accidents and Natural Disasters (Air Force Manual 10-2504 1) - Nuclear Weapons Accident On-Scene by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Guide to Field Marshall William J. Slim: The Great General of World War II, Pivotal Role of Air Mobility in the Burma Campaign, Theoretical Thinking and the Impact of Theory on Campaign Planning by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Complete Guide to NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Project - Spacecraft, Instruments and Mirror, Science, Infrared Astronomy, GAO and Independent Review Reports, Congressional Hearings by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Rio de Janeiro and Medellin: Similar Challenges, Different Approaches - Brazil and Colombia Police, Military Heritage, Community Policing, Narcis Serra, Max Ungar, Youth Programs, Urban Projects by Progressive Management
Cover of the book U.S. Naval Aviation in the Pacific: World War II - Pearl Harbor, Midway, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Tarawa, Toyko, Tactical Effectiveness, Weapons by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) for Shale Oil and Natural Gas: Latest Developments on Government Safety Rules to Protect Underground Sources of Drinking Water and Underground Injection Control (UIC) by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Mach 3+: NASA/USAF YF-12 Flight Research, 1969-1979, Lockheed Blackbird Spyplanes as NASA/USAF Research Platforms (NASA SP-2001-4525) by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Project 1704: U.S. Army War College Analysis of Russian Strategy in Eastern Europe, Appropriate U.S. Response, and Implications for U.S. Landpower - Putin's Rise to Power, Military, Ukraine Crisis by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Teleportation Physics Study: Analysis for the Air Force Research Laboratory of Teleportation of Physical Objects, Wormholes, Parallel Universes, Remote Viewing, Psychokinesis PK, Quantum Entanglement by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Drug Cartels and Gangs in Mexico and Central America: A View Through the Lens of Counterinsurgency - Mexican Cartels, COIN Doctrine, Colombia's Insurgency, Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) by Progressive Management
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy