Genome editing as a national security threat

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• National Security
• Bioethics

Background:

• US intelligence community testimony linked genome editing to national security threats, a departure from prior assessments.
• Individual biotechnologies are rarely singled out as security threats; advances are usually considered collectively.
• The classified rationale for singling out gene editing tools necessitates further analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore three potential national security implications of genome editing technologies.
• To analyze the distinct risks and policy responses associated with each implication.
• To address the novel security landscape presented by advanced biotechnologies.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of genome editing applications.
• Review of national security threat assessment frameworks.
• Exploration of potential biological weapon development pathways.
• Consideration of human enhancement and its indirect security impacts.

Main Results:

• Genome editing could enable advanced biological weapons.
• Ecological applications of genome editing may facilitate novel bioweapons.
• Human enhancement via genome editing could indirectly impact national security (e.g., cognitive ability, soldier endurance).

Conclusions:

• Genome editing presents multifaceted national security challenges.
• Distinct policy and regulatory strategies are needed for each identified risk.
• Proactive assessment and governance are crucial for mitigating potential threats from gene editing.