A Double-Edged Sword: Globalization and Biosecurity

Kendall Hoyt of Harvard University and Stephen Brooks of Dartmouth College examine the linkage between economic globalization and the threat of biological weapons. Contrary to those who argue that economic globalization increases vulnerability to a bioterrorist threat—and for this reason should be restricted—Hoyt and Brooks contend that globalization is a “double-edged sword” that has the potential to increase but also decrease levels of vulnerability—for example, by facilitating the development of vaccines. With this in mind, the authors propose the creation of an international biosecurity regime that can “harmonize regulations concerning biological research and commerce” while ensuring the continued globalization of biodefense.