Science and Technology of Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Traditionally, resources on terrorism and counterterrorism tend to focus on the social, behavioral, and legal aspects of the subject, with minimal emphasis on the scientific and technological aspects. Taking into account these practical considerations, the second edition of Science and Technology of Terrorism and Counterterrorism discusses the nature of terrorism and the materials used by terrorists. It describes how intelligence professionals and law enforcement personnel can detect and destroy these materials, and how they can deal with terrorist groups.

This volume begins by introducing the shift in analysis of terrorist attacks after September 11, 2001 and summarizes selected case studies. It discusses the origin and nature of terrorism and the factors involved in diplomacy. Covering a broad range of topics, the book examines:



Aerosol dispersion of toxic materials
Bioterrorism and the manufacture, detection, and delivery of biological agents
Agricultural terrorism
Nuclear terrorism and nuclear weapons systems, threats, and safeguards
Chemical terrorism, including manufacture, detection, delivery, and decontamination
Cyber-terrorism
Personal protective equipment
The role of government at federal, state, and local levels
The role of international agencies and their resources, capabilities, and responsibilities
The National Infrastructure Protection Plan


As terrorist activities increase globally, it is critical that those charged with protecting the public understand the myriad of ways in which terrorists operate. While we cannot predict where, when, and how terrorists will strike, our vigilance in staying abreast of the terrorist threat is the only way to have a fighting chance against those who seek to destroy our world.

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, D. S. Viswanath
A Brief Theory of Terrorism and Technology, H. K. Tillema
The Group Psychology of Terrorism, M. A. Diamond
Aerosols: Fundamentals, S. K. Loyalka and R. V. Tompson, Jr.
Biological Terrorism: Effects, Toxicity, and Effectiveness, G. D. Christensen
Biological Terrorism: Classification and Manufacture, M. A. Prelas
Biological Terrorism: Weaponization and Delivery Systems, M. A. Prelas
Biological Terrorism: Sensors and Detection Systems, T. K. Ghosh and M. A. Prelas
Biological Terrorism: Consequences and Medical Preparedness, L. D. Ormerod
Biological Terrorism: Preparation for Response—What the Government Can Do in Defending the Homeland, M. C. Warwick
Agroterrorism: Agroeconomic Bioterrorism, K. A. Hickey
Agroterrorism: Attributes and Implications of High-Impact Targets in U.S. Agriculture, K. Thompson
Nuclear Terrorism: Nature of Radiation, W. H. Miller
Nuclear Terrorism: Radiation Detection, W. H. Miller
Nuclear Terrorism: Radiation Detectors—Applications in Homeland Security, T. K. Ghosh, M. A. Prelas, and R. V. Tompson, Jr.
Nuclear Terrorism: Dose and Biological Effects, W. H. Miller and R. Lindsay
Nuclear Terrorism: Nuclear Weapons, S. K. Loyalka
Nuclear Terrorism: Threats and Countermeasures, S. K. Loyalka and M. A. Prelas
Chemical Terrorism: Classification, Synthesis, and Properties, D. S. Viswanath and T. K. Ghosh
Chemical Terrorism: Toxicity, Medical Management, and Mitigation, L. D. Ormerod
Chemical Terrorism: Destruction and Decontamination, D. S. Viswanath and T. K. Ghosh
Chemical Terrorism: Sensors and Detection Systems, M. A. Prelas and T. K. Ghosh
Chemical Terrorism: Weaponization and Delivery System, M. A. Prelas and T. K. Ghosh
Chemical Terrorisms: Threats and Countermeasures, L. D. Ormerod, T. K. Ghosh, and D. S. Viswanath
Cyber-Terrorism, H. W. Tyrer
Personal Protective Equipment, G. P. Jirka and W. Thompson
National Response Plan and Preparedness, T. K. Ghosh
Government and Voluntary Agencies, J. A. Bentz and T. M. Crocker
The National Infrastructure Protection Plan, A. Krotman, J. R. Ballo, and M. C. Warwick
Index