In addition to the close case-study approach utilized in much of this volume, the analysis of questions surrounding biological weapons (BW) events can be augmented by a view through the lens of quantitative social science methods. This approach allows for the identification of prospective trends and common features across geographically and temporally different events. This chapter explores how comparative quantitative analysis can reveal new insights related to identification of biological agents, characterization of intentionality of an outbreak, and attribution to specific perpetrators.
Publication Information
Ackerman, Gary, and Victor Asal. 2008. "A Quantitative Overview of Biological Weapons: Identification, Characterization, and Attribution." In Terrorism, War or Disease? Unraveling the Use of Biological Weapons, eds. Anne L. Clunan, Peter R. Lavoy, and Susan B. Martin. Palo Alto, CA: Stanford University Press, 186-216. https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/13013465