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The threat posed by biological weapons to state security in the twenty-first century is often under-appreciated by both scholars and practitioners alike, lost in their usual focus upon nuclear proliferation. But while such proliferation merits concern, the rapid pace of the biotechnical revolution and spread of related know-how and technology – coupled with the rise of terror groups (like Al Qaeda) whose focus is upon creating mass casualty attacks – makes biological warfare a far more dangerous and likely ‘new face of terrorism’ over the coming years. In Dr Preston's lecture, the growing bio-terrorism threat is explored and the implications of recent advances in biotechnology discussed that could make bioweapons the ‘WMD of choice’ for future terrorists. Along with exploring how these weapons could potentially be used and their possible societal consequences, Dr. Preston also discussed some available strategies for reducing our vulnerabilities to such attacks and limiting the damage they will inflict. Dr. Preston received his M.A. at the University of Essex (United Kingdom) and his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH). He joined Washington State University and the Department of Political Science in 1994. He teaches undergraduate courses on international relations, U.S. foreign policy, U.S. national security policy, and political analysis. In 2003, he was awarded the prestigious William F. Mullen Excellence in Teaching Award by the WSU College of Liberal Arts, was named a WSU faculty Innovator in 2007, and received a Fulbright Senior Scholar Award in 2009-10 as part of the Fulbright New Zealand Programme. He is the author of The President and His Inner Circle: Leadership Style and the Advisory Process in Foreign Affairs (Columbia University Press, 2001), 'From Lambs to Lions': Future Security Relationships in a World of Biological and Nuclear Weapons (Rowman and Littlefield, 2007/2009), co-author of Introduction to Political Psychology (Erlbaum, 2004/2010). Current research involves a number of projects on nuclear/biological weapons proliferation, the affect of expertise on political leaders, and bioterrorism. A video will be online soon: www.youtube.com/user/usembassynewzealand newzealand.usembassy.gov

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Taken: May 5, 2010
Uploaded: May 5, 2010

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