The Internet and Weapons of Mass Destruction Policy:

Abstract


Like the Cold War era, the world once again finds itself at the threshold of destruction. In the aftermath of 9/11, and the rapid proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), reliable and current data on these weapons is imperative. This essay will argue that with the inherent fluidity of weapons of mass destruction, together with “globalization,” traditional mediums of information are impaired, inadequate, and ill fitted to deliver accurate and current intelligence. Timely, the World Wide Web has emerged as a viable alternative to supply a consistent and wide-ranging mode of accumulating, analyzing and swiftly disseminating information regarding WMD. Although many sites lack credibility and depth, there is a vast amount of useful material. Many sites are devoted to chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, offering comprehensive reporting and access, with convenience powered by high-tech digital tools like video clips.



Due to recent international security developments, the world is again at the cross road of destruction. Rapid horizontal and vertical proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is a grave situation with unacceptable ramifications. As events of 9/11 illuminate, there is a growing security concern that terrorists could employ WMD to intimidate those opposed to radical Islamic destiny. The increased possibilities of WMD attack call for better ways of accessing, analyzing and sharing pertinent information. Contrary to the intelligence community’s emphasis on secrecy, the Web facilitates instant access to an assortment of information; timely, the Internet concurrently educates the public and undermines the proliferation of these weapons. The Web integrates traditional texts format into readily retrievable instruments by utilizing digital technological systems with amazing results. Security experts, as well as others in the field, will find the Web critical in routine execution of their duties. Although there are flaws in the cyber-information age, prospects are that the failings are essentially insignificant in the broader opportunities presented by the Internet. While I concede that reliable sites are rare, and many not comprehensive enough, online organizations have outshined conventional sources. This can be attributed to inherent multi cyber-functions; multi media options, accessibility, currency, and reliability, which lack in other long-established sources.


WMD are the most awesome tool of death ever invented by overly ambitious man. Naturally, one would anticipate a profuse amount of web sites on the subject with more than adequate data to satisfy the thirst of various users. Unfortunately, after countless searches on Yahoo! and Google it was clear that although staggering quantities of WMD are in hands of rogue states and dynamic amount of related sites exists, one is short of finding any terrific sites. Robert Burnett of the University of Karlstand and P. David Marshall of Northeastern University agree, “The web produces a massive surplus of content that may not actually be useable as information” (23), and many of these sites lack the fundamental facets of usable sites.


The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) is a typical example, for it provides good information but lacks any meaningful substance for the average user, international relations students or other interested persons. For example data is presented, organized and described in professional jargons for nonprofessionals to appreciate; but the site supplies no information on evacuation plans and other emergency procedures. Many articles have serious credibility issues because authors are not clearly identified by credentials, but by name and often with no contact information. The interesting piece by Wu Anne, “The Dance over North Korean Nukes” (NTI), is just one example. This undermines and raises questions about the validity and reliability of information housed on the site. Fielden remarked on the shortcomings of Web that “a certain amount of skepticism is appropriate in examining Internet resources…it never hurts to examine a researcher’s motive and perspective critically” (38-39). Therefore, despite useful resources, this site has some a few minor flaws.


However, NTI is professionally designed and easy to navigate. Its main page explains the mission as “working to reduce the global threats from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons” (NTI). To the right of the homepage users can explore the site extensively; the “[r] research library and [l] earn more” (NTI) are gateway to massive concentrations of data. To maintain its credibility the site provides documentation, “reference information” (NTI), and offers several active links to different sections that have sponsorship information and the organization’s history. The “Working for a safer world” (NTI) area dedicates a detailed account of the chronology of these weapons, along with the organization’s contributors around the world (see fig. 1). A link located at the top of the homepage entitled, “search country information” (NTI), provides users with current information on all WMD proliferating states. Individual links are active at any time for curious consumers, for an example the section “[o]ther resources” has policy and intelligence materials like “[t]he CIA report on technology acquisition” (NTI) which catalogue advanced weapon systems. In general, the links as well as a “search site” area contain contact and other relevant information; phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses and donation offers. However, although this site is remarkable, it lacks practical information of importance to average users; nonetheless, if multi-media applications are fully utilized this problem could be solved by using visually appealing and straight forward video images.


Upon a closer look at the site, I feel there a several usability problems, which limit the site’s goals; many of the links to other sites have no active way back to the NTI (see fig. 2). Also, data is not precise enough: useful information is hard to locate, for one would have to shift through often-irrelevant databases and hyper-links to get to appropriate resources. Consequently, despite a good collection of information on WMD, the site would attract only limited numbers of users. This evokes the “[s] scholar’s workstation model,” a method in research that relies exclusively on virtual access to reliable information (Fielden 39-40). To prevail over the shortcomings of the workstation model, Fielden accentuates the necessity for “[t]echnological training” to avoid any obstacles and discover useful Internet information (40). Fielden’s suggestion seems to be unreasonable on individuals seeking occasional but precise emergency updates on WMD. Nonetheless, in the case of NTI, this is not practical as there are no resources allocated to public education. Although one of the largest and most resourceful sites on the web related to chemical, biological and nuclear arsenals, it lags far behind the Monterey Institute of International Studies, to which we now turn.


Fortunately the next site boasts substantial usability. The Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) maintains the same level of authority and information accuracy as NTI, however, the MIIS site furnishes current developments on all WMD and international security policy in a multimedia layout that is superior to any non-web resources. Each link directs the consumer to detailed images and scientific information, thus simplifying the complex process of nuclear, biological and chemical development, which is further supplemented with video images showing the devastation of these weapons. Mary Sellen, Assistant Director for User Services at the University of New York, Albany, maintains that “works that have the ability to be interactive with words and media and disseminated rapidly to any location at any time have the possibility to significantly enhancing the meaning of information and enhancing interactive learning” (118). For example the new book “The Four Faces of Terrorism” by Charles Ferguson is available online and can be accessed anytime, any where in world. Individuals with questions can email the author and contributors directly regarding the assertion that “substandard security at nuclear facilities in Europe, Central Asia, Russia, and Pakistan increases the risk of terrorists seizing highly enriched uranium to make crude, but devastating, nuclear explosives” (MIIS).


This widens the scope of users from just nuclear experts to foreign policy analysts and counter-proliferation regimes like the International Atomic and Energy Agency that act as global nuclear watchdogs; all of which can share this information instantly with great details and accuracy. MIIS maintains an undisputable authority on the subject of weapons of mass destruction. Indeed, the U.S. Congress depends on the site for analysis and updates. For example, Congress in 2004 asked the organization to offer an assessment of WMD security risks, in response to which Charles Ferguson for MIIS recounted, “that the challenge of securing commercial radioactive sources around the world is difficult, but manageable. [And if the recommendations are] implemented, could significantly reduce this component of the dirty bomb threat over the next five years” (MIIS 2003). Burnett and Marshall maintains that “[t]he Web performs different functions in our culture than previous information sources” (33), and in this instance the Internet has the ability to establish a public and private “information network” (32)


Moreover, the site is well organized, with activities clearly outlined as “communication and education, Russia/New Independent States, Biological, Regional and United States” (MIIS). Accessing this information is effortless; users are guided by links (see fig. 2) to areas of interest (e.g., “loose nukes”) (MIIS). The front page of the site meticulously defines its purpose as immediate and long term goals: it is “concerned that the threat from nuclear weapons had fallen off most people’s radar screens after the cold war…to strengthen global security by reducing the risk of use and preventing the spread of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons” (MIIS) (see fig. 3). Fielden noted that “various kinds of information that depend on currency–for example statistics…are often well served in an internet environment” (34). The site is particularly accessible to federal and local employees charged with funneling alerts to the necessary agencies, a task that would be very difficult in absence of the Internet. Along these lines, Mary K. Sellen convincingly contends that “the web allows for such efficiency and dissemination of information” (119); for the site boasts a number of books and articles dedicated to WMD, but there are also numerous means of and formats for accessing resources (e.g., pfd, html, video clips etc.). Burnett and Marshall rightly observe that “[the] Web is a combination of cable, phones lines” (36), which make interaction and communication faster and more reliable than ever before.


In addition, Web-based data is quite diverse in contrast to tangible sources because online materials come in a variety of forms, news articles, educational materials and electronic to mention but a few. Various tools that enhance the quality and quantity of the information supplement these resources. As Sellen reminds users, the web offers more choices to consumers, “new models of communication enhance the delivery of information and provide support services within the same electronic medium” (123). By using the “topic menu” on the MIIS site the user is re-directed to specific and quite frankly non-abstract collections of prosperous data. Indeed, as Sellen prophetically put it, “the internet and the World Wide Web are going to change the 21st century” (125). Since its inception the MIIS has changed the entire field of security policy by providing updated and integrated data on the qualitative and qualitative dimensions of weapon systems. For instance, the article on “International Proliferation in the 21st Century” provides rich insights on weapons processing, delivery systems, and a chronology of arms trade and technology transfer by developed to less developed nations.


Furthermore, the MIIS stands tall at the helm of “networking” with no viable rival to its muster of useful information. The site offers interactive and multimedia selections at the “WMD411”section, where individuals can instantly watch live such recent security developments as “India warns Pakistan over Kashmir” and “South Korean seeking nuclear technology” (MIIS). In particular the 2005 “newslink” has in-depth state by state analysis (e.g., “North Korean and Iran nuclear developments”) that brings experts up to-date on a spectrum of issues related to nuclear weapons in a multi-media driven system employing video images and animated simulations. A chronological assortment of these weapons is impressive; a PowerPoint driven photo gallery that is ironically “attractive” accomplishes this. With unbiased coverage and diversity of experts, it draws respect from all international security regimes and major political actors. British Prime Minister Tony Blair in a 2004 weekly television address cited the MIIS as “the world’s most trusted WMD tracking enterprise” (MIIS). Mary Sellen, a staunch proponent of information distribution, coined the term “multimedia literacy,” to explain the evolving meaning literacy, that the Internet has replace tangible forms (117). Sellen argues further, “[m]ultimedia technologies of the web allows these authors to create works that combine text, graphics arts and interactivity to tell the story” (118). These new electronic databases will extend data distribution with unrivaled speed and efficiency (117).


While undisputable that this Website’s boast superior WMD related data, there are notable imperfections. Users searching the web for WMD news would naturally go to the main MIIS website; however few ended up at the “nuclear terrorism” which is the immediate concern to most users. It seem individual users are required to have substantial knowledge of the site (e.g., site map and key words). Even when patient consumers master the Website, it’s quite frustrating to adequately access such data through the MIIS homepage; there is no direct links to this page (nuclear terrorism). Consequently, gaining initial access to “nuclear terrorism” (MIIS) literature is challenging. Nevertheless, individuals should not despair as Fieldman reminds us that, “[a] neat, linear line towards success is rare and that the actual process of extending one’s understanding through the locating and digesting of resource material is a worthy journey, even when results are minimal” (30). To wholly appreciate the complex process of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, the scope of this inquiry must be extended to include narrowly designed sites as the Federation of American Scientist.


Weapons of mass destruction has been the focus of the Federation of American Scientist’s (FAS) since its founding in 1945 by scientists concerned about control of the awesome new technology they had helped create. It is also the oldest organization devoted to curbing the worldwide arms race. Fielden, a librarian at UC Berkley argues that, “several advantages of the internet over other mediums for research are its wide range access and retrieval” (32), FAS utilize Web “networks” to painless help interested individuals to locate the subject of their choice. This site focus on describing the scientific processes of making chemical, biological and chemical weapons to users in a straight-forward, and easy to understand fashion: “Ebola [biological weapon] exists naturally in primate populations…and occasionally spread to humans through contact with these animals” (FAS). Effects of these weapons are eloquently discussed with simplicity and clarity which is unrivaled by traditional sources. A vivid example is the description of anthrax which is done quite plainly by suggesting that “Inhalation anthrax is the most serious [of various forms]—mild respiratory symptoms develop into sever systems, breathing difficulties, shock, and eventually death if not treated. Symptoms normally appear within a week of exposure, but may not appear for 2 month” (FAS).


By clicking on the “nuclear weapons” link, one can promptly access resources on a number of subjects and explanations for clarification on the “[n]uclear weapons in the 21st century” (FAS). For example, there various issues are addressed under the sub-topic the “dirty bombs,” “proliferation,” “next generation of nuclear weapons” and “bunker busters.”(FAS). Because it’s important to keep updated on the trends of these weapons; the site displays information cautioning people to be aware of the new threat of “radiological bombs” (FAS) which are more accessible to terrorist groups and likely to be used. It is doubtful that this information could be readily available even in voluminous libraries. To gather this kind of current information would require a full-time research job for month in the library, going through multiple levels of administrative clearance.


The FAS exemplifies the competence of the global access to collection of information as well as an instrument of transmission. For the FAS is “dedicated to ending the worldwide arms race by training and education individuals” (FAS), bring the message close to users. Robert Burnett of the University of Karlstand and David Marshall of Northeastern University reasons that “[a]s a communications technology, the web provides the possibility for every large audiences, but also interpersonal, group and one-to-one forms of communication” (36). Indeed the FAS educate people on many issues, for example, “by training firefighters to deal with terror attacks reminiscent of the fire that destroyed Madrid's 32-story Windsor building Feb. 13 2005, as well as bring technological advances to first-responders in different part of the world” (FAS). In addition, the FAS Learning Federation (LF) project focuses on research and development of Technology-Enabled Learning Systems (TELS) that can make learning more engaging, effective and accessible. It’s Learning Science and Technology R&D Roadmap lays out benchmarks for how education technology can revolutionize how experts can teach and learn within a decade. First responders, military medics and others can learn faster and better with TELS. Federation of American scientist help institutions and citizens acquire cutting edge technology on WMD in the convenience of their offices or homes respectively, thus making this site irreplaceable tool for scintific research on weapons of mass destruction.


Unlike the sites presented thus far, the FAS is strictly an American organization. All doctors are citizens and graduates of the United States, and U.S schools respectively, thus creating a credibility problem for what is largely scientific work. (See fig. 4). Fielden believes this is a serious issue when he was addressing the issue of authority; rhetorically he probed “[w]hat makes for reliable information? A primary concern is trust. Are the persons who created the information accurate and honest?” (37). Other than being all American association, the site has no links to international organization or regimes dealing proliferation like the United Nations, the only links available are US military command and control. Therefore, in terms of trust the FAS trail the other WMD related Websites as the NTI and MIIS. Nonetheless, the site boasts unmatched expertise in weapon systems technology.


Like the FAS, the Ploughshare’s Fund (PF) supports the cessation of the nuclear arms race around the world. However, this site gives grants that are related exclusively to peace and security issues. The fund was started in the mid eighties—approximately 22 years ago—and has given grants totaling more than $40 million dollars. This diversity of services is a recent phenomenon due to the emergence of the Internet, this will certainly be impractical without what Burnett and Marshall correctly conceptualized as “the network society and the web” (41). To provide such benefits an extended system of monitoring is vital of which the internet has reliably facilitated, to quote Burnett and Marshal “the network society has developed from movements of information for the needs of large scale interconnected organization to operate” (42). Actually, the PF is the largest grant making foundation in the United States (see fig. 5). Some of the projects that have been funded by the fund include: “the international campaign to ban landmines, the public campaigns to compel governments to not support the development of usable nuclear weapons, in addition to a campaign that would ask governments to take their nuclear weapons off hair-trigger alert, the work of physicist David Albright in getting Brazil and Argentina to back off their pursuit of nuclear weapons, the organization of various civil society organizations whose whole purpose is to monitor the governments’ adherence to biological treaty, in the absence of an official regime; the creation of seismic monitoring equipment in the former Soviet Union to determine whether nuclear testing was taking place, and finally establishing a code of conduct among Western countries—European countries—that prevents the sale of arms to countries that are led by dictators or human rights abusers” (PF).


Still, the grants that this organization offer are not only limited to the prevention of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons but also extended to conventional weapons such as surface to surface missiles, and others that could potentially be launched from space (e.g., air-plane based rockets). Furthermore, the fund also allocated to those projects that are concerned with conflict prevention, an example is the PF logistical support to India-Pakistan conflict over territory. The fund is extremely important to the whole discussion of nuclear arms prevention, as it has had an effect on changing the policy in the United States monies being given targeted countries. The PF leadership mantains that, “funds have been awarded to numerous Middle Eastern nations” (PF). To be sure, libraries don’t issues grants or funds, therefore, as sociologists David Marshall Robert Burnett eloquently stated that “the prevalence of web is merging global cultures into a network society” this is a new phenomenon, which is responsible for the increased capabilities of organizing, and increasing “traffic and trade beyond goods into the movement of information its self”(35). In particular the ability of the PF to provide money to advance its mission is revolutionary; traditionally information was static, limited in accessibility and scope. Practically speaking, if all these websites can coordinate their efforts it will serve as a valuable resource during times of emergency. Of course, there are a number of agencies that become involved during a national crisis such as the Red Cross, but the nexus between Internet-based organizations and emergency agencies is a powerful possibility.


Although the PF is a brilliant site, it has minor problems which could shrink the users attraction to it in future. Sellen makes a case for use of media tools on education websites, maintaining that “visual and aural concepts have the potential to change the concept of static word literacy into multimedia literacy” (117). Unfortunately, the PF site extensively lacking in moderns cyber tools which are seductively potent for users. By cling on to traditional text form, the PF is ironically undermining its ability to attract and retain information consumers. Specially, photos and other multi-media options are not utilized. The fact that this site is 21st a century phenomenon, it’s logically unsustainable to explain why streaming radio; video and audio supplements are not applied to engage user. Today information that lack dramatic punctuations in form of graphics, video and other interactive tools is bound to appeal only those who routinely seek WMD information. In general, it’s fair to conclude that PF is wonderful resource for individuals constrained by various reasons to utilize the library or other traditional resources, but there is a systematic neglect of opportunities to expand the data base. With such a lukewarm application of multi-media products, users will find it less interesting and experienced users are surely destined to seek better sites, ironically at this will happen at the expense of valuable information.


The Nonproliferation and Disbarment Fund (NDF) is a security arm of the U.S. Department of State. It is “sharply focused fund to permit rapid response to unanticipated or unusually difficult, high priority requirements or opportunities to halt the proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons” (NDF). Most importantly, the site supplements it’s primary goals by funding other projects which include: “destroy or neutralize existing WMD, their delivery systems and limiting the spread of advanced conventional weapons and their delivery systems” (NDF). The credibility of the site is solid due to it’s close association and supervision by the State Department, and also it has vital information right on the main page. For instance the top most section displays information on the (see fig. 6) “establishment”, “fund control”, “goals & objectives”, “legal authority”, “management restrictions” and “proposal process” (NDF). As librarian Ned Fielden held the internet has the ability to merge massive volumes of data more effectively than text books, for one to be able to visualize the above options will require opening numbers of pages, back and forth. Such diversity of information is rare if ever present in traditional mediums on this subject.


Important to mention, the NDF is a home to vital information on homeland security. As the events of 9/11 remind us, the world is not short of individuals determined to kill those opposed to extremist religious views. The site does a fabulous job by organizing information by “project category” that offers insight on the broader perspective of the activities in which the organization is involved. Second, the “tracker,” is a software system that helps one process weapon trade control applications easily and efficiently. Tracker's automated tools replace cumbersome, non-automated methods of processing trade control information, making it possible to keep track of thousands of cases. With this software users no longer need to maintain stacks of paper applications that are forwarded to different people for review and approval. This technology acts as a central location for inputting, processing, tracking, reviewing, and deciding license applications. For more information, the user is politely invited “please link www.TrackerNet.org” (NDF).


Perhaps the most effective feature of this site is the “related link” icon, this lead users to all Executive Branches of the U.S government related WMD. As Ned Fielden articulates that online “[m]any resources can be reached from your own computer” (32), one doesn’t need to a trip top this federal departments to access information as was the case. This website guide users to applicable resource on WMD. Imperative to mention, the site also offers updates on U.S efforts on elimination weapons of mass destruction and it effectively use videos and other tools. For instance a “defenselink” guide users to live department of defense simulations about nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. The web is a practical resource, mixing various methods, (e.g., written, recorded, and direct images from spy-planes) to enhance the communication. In particular the NDF’s “photo essays” and “TV” reports on WMD illustrate the immediate and long-term consequences of a nuclear or chemical explosion. Users can see first-hand the survival tactics. This latter advantage is instructive, text books lack both the dramatic and practical effect of the web. Although websites likes this are rare, they supply critical information on an extremely important aspect of domestic security.


However, information on this site like the PF, is questionable, because of the government is viewed as excessively entangled in the operational and program priorities, hence raising doubts about the sites objectivity and independent in gathering and disseminating information. As Fielden timely argued, “A certain amount of skepticism is appropriate in examining Internet resources…it never hurts to examine a researcher’s motives and perspective critically” (38-39). NPF relies heavily on domestic intelligence information and solely on the U.S government for funds. The site was created by the U.S. government to promote American proliferation priorities, thus making it practically impossible for independent efforts. Many of the editorials can be traced to U.S. Defense and State Departments, or other U.S intelligence organs, with only updates available are from the Defense Department homepage. It would appear that U.S. government purposefully set up the website to promote its foreign and domestic security agenda with little or no input from other nations affected or threatened by biological, chemical or nuclear weapons.


Overall, these sites are integral and important sites because they also can serve as a valuable resource during times of emergency. Burnett and Marshall argue, “[t]he technical innovation of the Internet [is] it permits the Web to have multiple users…” (36).These sites could effectively use the internet for collaboration of their efforts. Of course, there are a number of agencies that become involved during a national crisis. For example, FEMA, the Red Cross, and a number or agencies made it their mission to aid the victims of September 11, 2001. However, theses websites, if they shared information, could also be valuable stores of information regarding the number of casualties, the amount of food needed to care for individuals affected by a disaster, locating loved ones, etc. The point is that these sites, especially the ones that are sources for funds, can aid in these types of disasters. They can be more helpful than government agencies because they are not bound by the restrictions that deal with local, state, and government municipalities. The bureaucracy of government is such that certain agencies handle particular crimes within particular precincts or regions.


In addition, because FEMA is a federal program the response time to people with pressing needs during an emergency can be held up by policy; instead, if localities had access to these websites the time between asking for assistance and receiving assistance can be cut in half because these agencies are none government funded agencies and do not require wading through protocol to help those people in need of assistance. These sites are reputable sites that are operated by organizations that have existed for decades and have devoted themselves to the prevention of WMD. For this reason, it is important for the governments, the federal and the local, to use these sites in their own operation to help prevent national catastrophes such as the one that occurred almost four years ago and to aid those people in need if catastrophe wreaks havoc on the nation again.

Although the World Wide Web bestows instant access to resources across the world, the lack of a centralized WMD website is disturbing given the destructive nature of these weapons. Without educating the citizenry and politicians, progressive efforts towards a WMD free world and familiarity of the consequences would be hopeless. The web is an amazing apparatus that can easily disperse a wide range of information on a subject traditionally reserved for policy experts. Time has come for political leaders to seize the opportunities presented by the web, to devise a comprehensive and centralized WMD website of unassailable sort. Exclusive of constant innovations in technology and the rise of the of the World Wide Web, imperative issues like nuclear, biological and chemical weapons proliferation in the world would not be given adequate attention.