A Conceptual Model to Identify Intent to Use Chemical-Biological Weapons

Authors

Mary D. Zalesny, Booz Allen HamiltonFollow
Paul Whitney, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryFollow
Amanda White, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryFollow
Theodore R. Plasse, Department of DefenseFollow
Michael T. Grundy, Department of DefenseFollow

Author Biography

Mary D. Zalesny is a behavioral scientist whose research interests include counterterrorism, insider threat, and the application of behavior theory to understanding and modeling behavior of individuals and groups across various contexts.

DOI

http://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.10.3.1612

Subject Area Keywords

Biological weapons, Chemical weapons, Nonstate actors, Political violence, Radicalization, Terrorism / counterterrorism, Violent extremism

Abstract

This paper describes a conceptual model to identify and interrelate indicators of intent of non-state actors to use chemical or biological weapons. The model expands on earlier efforts to understand intent to use weapons of mass destruction by building upon well-researched theories of intent and behavior and focusing on a sub-set of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to account for the distinct challenges of employing different types of WMD in violent acts. The conceptual model is presented as a first, critical step in developing a computational model for assessing the potential for groups to use chemical or biological weapons.

Recommended Citation

Zalesny, Mary D.; Whitney, Paul; White, Amanda; Plasse, Theodore R.; and Grundy, Michael T.. "A Conceptual Model to Identify Intent to Use Chemical-Biological Weapons." Journal of Strategic Security 10, no. 3 (2017) : 54-86.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.10.3.1612
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/jss/vol10/iss3/4