Disease and Security: Natural Plagues and Biological Weapons in East Asia (Contemporary Security Studies)

Focusing on East Asia, this book sets out a framework for analyzing infectious disease threats in security terms. It covers the security significance of naturally occurring disease outbreak events such as SARS and avian influenza, the development and use of biological weapons by state and non-state actors, and the security risks associated with laboratory research on pathogenic micro-organisms. Christian Enemark devises a conceptual framework for securitization that is useful for policy makers by using the overlaps and synergies between different infectious disease threats. The book draws heavily on material from public health and scientific literature to illustrate the cross-disciplinary requirements for addressing infectious diseases challenges in security terms. Fast-moving, naturally occurring disease threats are of increasing concern to governments and individuals, and it is therefore important to recognize their close relationship to the security challenges posed by Biological Weapons and pathogen research. Disease and Security will be of much interest to students of international security, public health and Asian politics. Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 6 Copyright......Page 7 Contents......Page 8 Illustrations......Page 9 Acknowledgements......Page 10 Abbreviations......Page 11 1 Infectious diseases as a security challenge......Page 12 Part I: Natural plagues......Page 36 2 Severe acute respiratory syndrome......Page 38 3 H5N1 avian influenza: Pandemic pending?......Page 52 4 Outbreak response: Rallying around the state......Page 70 Part II: Biological weapons......Page 88 5 The science and history of deliberate disease......Page 90 6 Biological attacks and the non-state perpetrator......Page 108 7 Responses to the biological weapons problem......Page 123 Part III: Pathogen research......Page 146 8 Beyond biosafety: The security consciousness of scientists......Page 148 9 Biodefence: Lessons from the United States......Page 175 10 Conclusion......Page 195 Notes......Page 205 Index......Page 232 "Focusing on East Asia, this book sets out a framework for analysing infectious disease threats in security terms. It covers the security significance of naturally occurring disease outbreak events such as SARS and avian influenza, the development and use of biological weapons by state and non-state actors and the security risks associated with laboratory research on pathogenic micro-organisms. The book's main aim is to devise a conceptual framework for securitization that is useful for policy-makers, by using the overlaps and synergies between different infectious disease threats. The book draws heavily on material from public health and scientific literature to illustrate the cross-disciplinary requirements for addressing infectious-disease challenges in security terms."--BOOK JACKET Infectious Diseases As A Security Challenge -- Natural Plagues -- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome -- H5n1 Avian Influenza : Pandemic Pending? -- Outbreak Response : Rallying Around The State -- Biological Weapons -- The Science And History Of Deliberate Disease -- Biological Attacks And The Non-state Perpetrator -- Responses To The Biological Weapons Problem -- Pathogen Research -- Beyond Biosafety : The Security Consciousness Of Scientists -- Biodefence : Lessons From The United States -- Conclusion. Christian Enermark. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [194]-220) And Index.