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Potential Malfeasant Cooption of Nanotechnology

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Book cover Nanotechnology for Chemical and Biological Defense

Abstract

Among the highest priorities for the US and the Department of Defense in the twenty-first century is to deny the acquisition and use of weapons of mass destruction by hostile states, substate actors, or nonstate actors for use in acts against the US and its allies.2 Anticipating the types of threats that may emerge as science and technology advance, the potential consequences of those threats, and the probability that enemies will obtain or pursue them is necessary for preparing for the future security of the nation and the wider world community. This is also a critical part of near-term defensive planning. Nanotechnology is a prime example of this type of enabling and potentially game-changing technology. Today, almost all developed countries are vigorously pursuing nanotechnology developments with well-funded programs in the US, Japan, China, Russia, Israel, Taiwan, India, Iran, and across Europe. The global nature of this research means that much of the nanotechnology advancement recently achieved, and that projected for the future will likely be available to friends and adversaries.

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  1. Georgia Institute of Technology, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs Center for International Strategy, Marietta, GA, USA

    Margaret Kosal

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Kosal, M. (2009). Potential Malfeasant Cooption of Nanotechnology. In: Nanotechnology for Chemical and Biological Defense. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0062-3_4

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