The Ebola crisis in West Africa (2014-16) reminded us of the challenge to contain and manage pandemic diseases in a globalised and interconnected world. Although the Ebola outbreak was a naturally occurring epidemic, terrorist organisations or States could create 'man-made' pandemics in the form of biological weapons (BW) in the future.

This learning unit addresses the challenges to prevent acts of bio-warfare and of bio-terrorism in an era of rapid advances and diffusion of sensitive biotechnologies.

After completing this learning unit, you will

• understand the technical foundations of BW.
• have an overview of historical BW programmes.
• comprehend the nature of bioterrorism.
• be familiar with the political context of biological weapons.
• have better knowledge of the international legal framework aimed at prohibiting the possession and use of BW.