Date of Award
Spring 4-2-2024
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
History and American Studies
Department Chair or Program Director
Ferrell, Claudine
First Advisor
Ferrell, Claudine
Major or Concentration
History
Abstract
The Biological Weapons Convention, initially ratified in 1975, banned the production and stockpiling of biological weapons; however, it has faced considerable modern criticism for being unenforceable and not strong enough to ensure states' compliance. These modern critiques are based on the knowledge that the Soviet Union was in violation of the Convention, which was not confirmed until 1989. By analyzing the reactions to the Biological Weapons Convention by scholars and scientists, American intelligence officials, and American news media, it becomes clear that concerns about the Convention did exist prior to 1989, even when for many it was not certain that there were existent violations. These reactions were diverse based on the knowledge available to each group, with varying amounts of concern about the strength of the Convention expressed.
Recommended Citation
Kelley, Morgan, "Secrets, Soviets, and Sverdlovsk: Critiques of the Biological Weapons Convention and Biosecurity in the 1970s and 1980s" (2024). Student Research Submissions. 559.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/559