36 Questions
What type of toxins are commonly used in biological weapons?
Simple toxins like ricin
What percentage of CBRN incidents since 2012 are attributed to religious extremist actors?
71%
What was the primary goal of ISIL's revisited chemical weapon program in 2014?
To formalize a chemical weapon program
What type of actors were responsible for 22% of CBRN incidents, according to Figure 1?
Ethno-nationalist actors
What was the outcome of ISIL's territorial force?
It has been shattered
Where did ISIL deploy chemical warfare agents?
In Syria
What is one advantage of radiological weapons that makes them attractive to VNSAs?
Simpler weaponization compared to nuclear weapons
What are potential sources of chemical weapons for VNSAs?
Unstable states like Syria, Iraq, Libya, and North Korea, as well as theft from state-run programs or production using precursor materials
What is a significant challenge in breaching the WMD threshold for chemical attacks?
Obtaining significant volumes of agents
What are the two primary means of acquiring biological weapons?
Theft or in-house production
What complication in in-house production of biological weapons is related to the microorganism itself?
Obtaining the correct microorganism
Why do biological attacks, despite having catastrophic potential, face difficulties in weaponization?
Weaponization difficulties
What are the motives for acquiring Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)?
Inflicting casualties, achieving operational objectives, and boosting status.
What is unique about the psychological impact of CBRN weapons on targeted societies?
Their intangibility, invasiveness, latent effects, and unfamiliarity among citizens.
What is notable about the history of WMD attacks by Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs)?
There has never been a definitive WMD attack by VNSAs.
How many cases of VNSAs attempting to obtain or use CBRN weapons have been recorded by the University of Maryland's POICN Database?
Over 517 cases since 1990.
What are the two potential routes for a VNSA to acquire a nuclear weapon?
Theft from a preexisting state arsenal or production of fissile material.
Which country's nuclear arsenal is considered particularly vulnerable to theft by VNSAs?
Pakistan.
What was the purpose of Basson's international network established in the 1980s?
To facilitate illegal activities, including drug manufacturing and offshore fund movement
What was the Reagan administration's policy that facilitated interactions with American scientists?
Constructive engagement
What was Dr. Larry Ford allegedly working on in Southern California?
A microbicide contraceptive
What was the significance of the historical ties between South Africa and Israel?
They had potential cooperation in NBC efforts
What was the outcome of the investigations into Dr. Larry Ford's activities?
Unsubstantiated claims about his involvement with the SADF and CIA
What was the facilitator of Basson's international network?
Procurement specialists paid by ARMSCOR
What was the focus of Project Coast's research on birth control methods?
Clandestine application to reduce the black birth rate
What was the goal of the researchers in Project Coast?
To implement birth control measures without the awareness of the affected individuals
How did Project Coast's researchers plan to administer birth control substances?
Orally or through injections without the recipient's knowledge
What was the alleged purpose of methaqualone production in 1988?
As a means of crowd control
What was one of the possible methods considered by Project Coast researchers to reduce the black birth rate?
Introducing birth control substances into water supplies
What was a consequence of the 'Small Command Council' structure in Project Coast?
Basson's autonomous operation with minimal monitoring
What contributed to the progress of Project Coast's research and development efforts?
International collaborations and classified information
What was the nature of Project Coast's research and development efforts?
Classified and supported by international collaborations
What was a criticism of the committee management approach in Project Coast?
It was not effective in monitoring Basson's activities
What was General Geldenhuys' justification for the unconventional arms trade in South Africa?
The country's status as the 'skunk' of the world
What was a concern regarding the funding of Project Coast?
That it was not adequately audited
What was Dr. Knobel's perspective on Basson's claims of global penetration?
He believed in Basson's claims
This quiz explores the motives behind acquiring Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), their operational objectives, and the psychological effects on targeted societies. It also discusses the challenges and complexities of WMD use by non-state actors.
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