Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Terrorism

Task Force Chair: Frank J. Cilluffo
Task Force Coordinator: Sharon L. Cardash

The United States faces a series of threats to its homeland. These emerging challenges come from missile proliferation in rogue states; the potential use by terrorists of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) devices; and various threats to the nation's critical information and economic infrastructure. These threats, although low in probability, have potentially high consequences. Some of them, particularly those involving nuclear and biological weapons have the potential to cause mass destruction.

To meet these challenges, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) initiated an 18-month study to improve our understanding of Homeland Defense and chart a course for improving policy in this area. Combating Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Terrorism was one of four reports developed out of the four working groups, each consisting of more than 20 federal, states, local, and private-sector officials. A senior advisory group composed of senators, representatives, governors, and former military and government officials provided guidance.

The United States currently lacks a comprehensive strategy for countering the threats of terrorism involving nuclear, radiological, chemical, and biological weapons. Although federal, state, and local governments have made strides to prepare for terrorism involving these weapons, the whole remains less than the sum of the parts. This report provides roadmap of near- and long- term priorities for senior federal officials to marshal federal, states, private sector, and nongovernmental resources for defending the U.S. homeland against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) terrorism.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Terrorism Task Force Membership