Science and Technology of Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Tushar K. Ghosh and Mark A. Prelas are professors of nuclear engineering at the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU). Sudarshan K. Loyalka is a nuclear engineering and chemical engineering professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Dabir S. Viswanath is an emeritus professor and Dowell chair of chemical engineering at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

• Introduction. A Brief Theory of Terrorism and Technology. The Group Psychology of Terrorism. Aerosols: Fundamentals. Biological Terrorism: Effects, Toxicity, and Effectiveness. Biological Terrorism: Classification and Manufacture. Biological Terrorism: Weaponization and Delivery Systems. Biological Terrorism: Sensors and Detection Systems. Biological Terrorism: Consequences and Medical Preparedness. Biological Terrorism: Preparation for Response—What the Government Can Do in Defending the Homeland. Agroterrorism: Agroeconomic Bioterrorism. Agroterrorism: Attributes and Implications of High-Impact Targets in U.S. Agriculture. Nuclear Terrorism: Nature of Radiation. Nuclear Terrorism: Radiation Detection. Nuclear Terrorism: Radiation Detectors—Applications in Homeland Security. Nuclear Terrorism: Dose and Biological Effects. Nuclear Terrorism: Nuclear Weapons. Nuclear Terrorism: Threats and Countermeasures. Chemical Terrorism: Classification, Synthesis, and Properties. Chemical Terrorism: Toxicity, Medical Management, and Mitigation. Chemical Terrorism: Destruction and Decontamination. Chemical Terrorism: Sensors and Detection Systems. Chemical Terrorism: Weaponization and Delivery System. Chemical Terrorisms: Threats and Countermeasures. Cyber-Terrorism. Personal Protective Equipment. National Response Plan and Preparedness. Government and Voluntary Agencies. The National Infrastructure Protection Plan. Index.

Intelligently presented and thoroughly referenced and indexed, the book offers a good balance of scientific and managerial information. Through an examination of the history of terrorism, the editors present a series of questions to assist in the development of prevention and emergency management programs. The first chapter looks at the link between the use of technology and the larger concept of terrorism. … Subsequent, highly educational chapters explain biological, nuclear, chemical, agricultural, and cyber threats with ample definitions, tables, and diagrams. Each provides helpful perspectives for decision and policy makers regarding assessments, prevention, and intervention. … The text is highly recommended to security professionals who seek a broader understanding of terrorist threats and technical countermeasures.—Paul H. Aube, B.Sc., CPP, CAS (Certified Antiterrorism Specialist) in Security Management, January 2011