Chemistry

Terrorism, particularly the possibility for unconventional terrorist attacks using chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons, has been a major factor shaping U.S. domestic and national security policy over the last eight years. There is considerable debate about the risk of CBRN terrorism, with some analysts believing such attacks are straightforward for terrorist groups to carry out and others viewing them as more difficult than they might appear. The talk will examine the recent history of chemical and biological terrorism, looking back at some of the historical incidents that shaped thinking about these threats as well as recent al Qai'da plots to acquire and use these weapons -- with a focus on how examining those incidents from a scientific and technical perspective can help to inform threat assessment. While clearly a real threat that must be considered, the problems terrorists have faced when attempting to stage unconventional attacks suggest that it shouldn't overwhelm all other considerations in security planning.

Dr. Jackson is currently the Associate Director of the Homeland Security Program, RAND Corporation