The Lawfare Podcast
Lawfare Daily: Bioweapons, North Koreans, and Musk, Oh My!
Nov 4, 2024
In this discussion, Daniel Byman, a national security expert, and Tim Mak, an on-ground reporter from Ukraine, dive into intriguing developments in global security. They uncover the resurgence of an old Soviet bioweapons lab and the implications of North Korean soldiers joining the fight in Ukraine. The conversation also explores Elon Musk's questionable ties to Vladimir Putin amid the geopolitical chaos. As biotechnology evolves, they highlight the risks posed by these alliances and how private sector power intersects with national security.
43:47
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Quick takeaways
- The reactivation and expansion of a Soviet bioweapons lab signal a troubling potential for biological warfare amid escalating tensions.
- Russia’s reliance on North Korean troops reflects a military manpower crisis, indicating desperation and shifting geopolitical alliances in the Ukraine conflict.
Deep dives
Concerns Over Russian Bioweapons Development
The reactivation of a Russian bioweapons lab has raised significant alarm among international observers. Satellite imagery indicates that the Sergeyev Posad 6 facility, historically focused on bio-research, is undergoing expansions to handle dangerous pathogens, which creates fear of potential biological warfare. Reports suggest Russia may be attempting to leverage biological weapons, reflecting a worrying trend of disregarding established international norms. Historical context reveals that effective targeting using bioweapons is difficult, but their use remains a frightening prospect, particularly with advancements in biotechnology that could enable far more lethal agents.
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