RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
A comprehensive analysis of biological terrorism (diamond)
McCann, W. S. (2024). Outbreak: A comprehensive analysis of biological terrorism (diamond). Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 47(10), 1299-1328. https://doi.org/10.1080/1057610X.2022.2034852
Only a few studies on biological terrorism have ever been conducted empirically. Many of these focus on CBRN terrorism as a whole, rather than biological terrorism, specifically. Other accounts utilize a case- or historical analysis instead. This study serves as the most comprehensive empirical assessment of bioterrorism to date by drawing on the Profiles of Incidents involving CBRN and Non-State Actors (POICN) Database at START as well as additional databases. The databases were merged to create a database whereby both CBRN and non-CBRN cases were included for both individuals and groups. Several binary logistic regression models (1990-2016) were then executed on biological weapons pursuit. The type of actor and ideology seem to be the most important factors for predicting biological weapons pursuit, although ethnic fractionalization was also negatively correlated with biological weapons pursuit. Governance measures had variable, but negative relationships with pursuit as well. Implications and recommendations are discussed.