Weapons of Mass Destruction: Proliferation and Global Threats

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), beginning with their definition and evolving interpretations across historical periods. It distinguishes between horizontal proliferation (new actors acquiring WMDs) and vertical proliferation (existing WMD states enhancing their arsenals), and then details the four main categories: nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological weapons, outlining their physics, effects, and delivery systems. It also traces the historical landscape of WMD proliferation from the Cold War to the present, examining the motivations driving states and non-state actors to acquire these weapons, including security, prestige, and asymmetric advantage. Finally, this episode extensively covers international control regimes such as the NPT, CWC, and BWC, along with export control groups and UN resolutions, discussing their effectiveness, limitations, and the current challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and technological advancements in various regional hotspots and undeclared programs.