Events

CHAIRPERSON

Dr Eric Kerr, Asia Research Institute, and Tembusu College, National University of Singapore

ABSTRACT

Humans have not just cracked the genetic code – the programming language of life on Earth. They are also rapidly acquiring the ability to manipulate it with ease. Artificial intelligence-enabled biotechnology offers humans unprecedented creative control over nature. Rapidly accelerating breakthroughs in the ability to change the genes of organisms offer thrilling possibilities for alleviating suffering and the climate crisis. They are also generating civilization-ending capabilities that, unlike nuclear power, can be widely accessible. How could biotechnology transform war? The extant, albeit limited, literature offers several hypotheses. For example, deterrence theory suggests that the highly destructive potential of genetically engineered bioweapons could eliminate war. Modern biotechnology is also said dramatically to expand the range of actors capable of causing mass destruction. In addition to the presentation, participants in this event will have the opportunity to engage in a wargaming exercise designed to shed light on how decision-makers may use – as well as respond to the use of – genetic weapons.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Yelena Biberman is Associate Professor of Political Science at Skidmore College (New York, United States), Associate at Harvard University’s Davis Center, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and a new voice at the Andrew W. Marshall Foundation. Her book, Gambling with Violence: State Outsourcing of War in Pakistan and India, was published by Oxford University Press in 2019. Biberman’s scholarship has appeared in academic journals, such as Asian Security, Journal of Strategic Studies, Strategic Studies Quarterly, Modern Asian Studies, Terrorism and Political Violence, and Political Science Quarterly, as well as in policy and mainstream media, such as Military Review, Foreign Policy, Texas National Security Review, Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, and Washington Post. Her work has been supported by numerous institutions, including the United States Institute of Peace, Fulbright Program, and Smith Richardson Foundation. She received her BA from Wellesley College, Master’s from Harvard University, and PhD from Brown University. She has also worked as a journalist in Moscow, Russia.

REGISTRATION

Registration is closed. However, we welcome walk-ins to join us if there are available seats.