Genetics as Weapons

Navigating the New Age of Bio-Tech Warfare

Last week, we saw Congress express concerns over Chinese weaponization of its biotech firms.

Biological warfare is not new; even prehistoric tribes used poison-dipped weapons.

In the 20th century, several efforts were made to prevent and limit the use of biological agents in warfare. Unfortunately those conventions haven’t been exactly successful, and advancements in biological agents continued.

I remember hearing a lot at the turn of the millennia that if the 20th century was an era of rapid advancements in Physics, the 21st century would belong to Biology.

Coupling advancements in biology with other disciplines—particularly artificial intelligence—could rapidly advance weapons of frightening capabilities.