Implications of bioscience and technology advances for the BTWC

Summary:

Reviewing the implications of developments in areas of science and technology relevant to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention is an essential task for states parties wishing to ensure that this convention remains relevant and robust. This paper examines the current method by which states parties collectively review advances in science and technology, and discusses two important changes in the practice of science—its increasing complexity and global distribution—which are requiring states parties to consider changing the current process. The paper highlights key findings from a project conducted by the Harvard Sussex Program on future options for science and technology reviews and provides three suggestions concerning more regular and holistic examination of science and technology that states parties may wish to bear in mind during their deliberations at the upcoming Seventh Review Conference.

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