Why is planning for a response to terrorist attacks so difficult? What is it about a WMD attack that increases the difficulty?
What is the difference between risk assessment and risk perception?
What are the four main types of agents in the WMD rubric? Briefly describe each one.
What three obstacles must a terrorist group overcome to launch a WMD attack. Briefly describe each obstacle. Which one do you think is the most difficult to overcome? Why?
Describe each of the five main characteristics by which the CDC evaluates a WMD agent?
What are the two main threats today with regard to biological pathogens?
Why are chemical agents considered less effective than biological agents?
What is the most likely method by which a non-state actor could acquire a nuclear weapon?
Of the three types of WMD agents (biological, chemical, or nuclear) which one do you believe poses the biggest risk concerning a terrorist attack. Why?
What are the different ways non-state actor groups could acquire a nuclear weapon? Which one does Hecker believe is the most likely?
What problems does Hecker identify in tracking and accounting for fissile material?
What evidence does Hecker provide for his concerns? Are you convinced?
Identify two of the policy prescriptions that Hecker proposes for dealing with the threat of nuclear terrorism. Which of the two do you believe would be the most effective? Why?
What is the relationship between infectious diseases and terrorism? Why do the authors view infectious disease as a national security threat?
What are the various threats from infectious pathogens described by the authors? Which ones do they feel pose the greatest threat?
What is the relationship between infectious diseases found in humans and that found in livestock and other animals? Why should diseases in animals be of concern to counterterrorism officials?
Identify two public health policy changes recommended by the authors. Which of the two do you believe would be the most effective? Why?
