Date of Graduation

Spring 2024

Degree

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Department

Defense and Strategic Studies

Committee Chair

John Rose

Abstract

This thesis uses qualitative research methods to: (1) assess the extent and capabilities of Russia’s modern chemical and biological weapons programs, (2) assess Russian compliance with arms control agreements, (3) determine the threats Russian chemical and biological weapons pose to NATO security, (4) assess NATO’s existing strategy against the modern chemical and biological threat, and (5) provide recommendations for U.S. and NATO policies and programs to mitigate the threat of these programs in the short and medium term. This project demonstrates that Russian chemical and biological weapons programs have remained consistently in violation of international arms control agreements since the fall of the Soviet Union, that they hold the potential to cause damage to NATO member states, and that they are used in ways that affect both civil society and military formations. This study concludes that increased information exchange between allies, understanding the change in Russia’s use of chemical weapons, regular reviews of NATO’s CBRN Defense Policy, enhancing civil-military cooperation within NATO, and exploiting weaknesses in Russia’s biotechnology sector can blunt the impact of Russian chemical and biological weapons programs on NATO’s security in the medium term.

Keywords

chemical weapons, biological weapons, Chemical Weapons Convention, Biological Weapons Convention, NATO, Russia

Subject Categories

International and Area Studies | International Relations | Other International and Area Studies | Soviet and Post-Soviet Studies

Copyright

© Jason Gregory Porter

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