Chemical Terrorism: US Policies to Reduce the Chemical Terror Threat

This study recognizes significant US government progress in detecting and mitigating chemical terror threats, including enhancements in interagency coordination. It finds similarly noteworthy progress in elimination of military chemical stockpiles, though the pace could be faster and much remains to be done. Challenges remain, however, in the need for stronger multilateral cooperation to prevent proliferation, and for a more serious and comprehensive effort to secure chemical facilities and transportation infrastructure against theft or attack. Future progress will depend first and foremost on recognition by government and industry of the full range of chemical terror threats, so that policy responses may be effectively prioritized. US efforts to prevent terrorist acquisition and use of chemical weapons can be grouped into four broad policy pillars 1 Recognition and Prevention 2 Response Improved Detection, Resilience, and Mitigation 3 Critical Infrastructure 4 Elimination