20th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit finance, financial integrity software solutions, biological warfare

To finish the panel, Dr. Bennett once again joined to speak on biological warfare. First, Dr. Bennett introduces the audience to an interesting point in history, as he cites the largest bioterrorism attack in the history of the USA. Dr. Bennett goes back to the Rajneesh movement in Oregon in the 1980s. In short, for political and electoral purposes, the Rajneesh used salmonella infections among others in salad bars and food stations across the town in an attempt to rig elections through the eliminations of voters. They killed almost 800 for their cause.

Dr. Bennett then goes on to discuss the attributes of bioterrorism. First, there is a very low barrier to entry – individuals, groups, and of course countries can access the needed materials, and then execute their plan on their own. There is proof of Asymmetric use. With Chinese and Russian capabilities, Dr. Bennett cites the importance of Allied science in staying up to date in their studies.

Lastly, the USA and Allies need to stay alert regarding viruses “passed from animal to man.” Dr. Bennet cites that in the relatively recent past, SARS 2013, MERS 2012-2013, the Spanish Flu, and China’s H7N9 have all taken their toll on the world, and Allied scientists have done a pretty decent job in containing them and developing treatments for them. That being said, new technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other investigative tactics need to be used to keep up with new viruses and their variants. Lastly, Dr. Bennett cites that if Allies can use contact tracing and patterns in trade and commerce, humans may be able to trace viruses’ destinations before the actual virus gets there.