Book Review: Bioinsecurity and Vulnerability

Reviewed by T. Tosin Fadeyi

Edited by Nancy N. Chen and Lesley A. Sharp

Contributors: Steven C. Caton, Nancy N. Chen, Joseph Masco, Monir Moniruzzaman, Carolyn Rouse, Lesley A. Sharp, Glenn Davis Stone, Ida Susser, David Vine, and Michael J. Watts.

Bioinsecurity and Vulnerability is an intuitive compilation of writings that explore the hysteria surrounding preparation for a silent threat: biological terror. The essays in this book illustrate the reality of biological preparedness in the 21st century by bringing together previously unacquainted realms like genetic engineering, the military, and accidental disasters around the world. Bioinsecurity features relevant photography to illustrate and enhance the contributors’ discussions.

Rather than focusing on the dangers and possible methods of biological terrorism, these essays confront the current preparedness measures that are gradually becoming a part of routine national security discussions. This book focuses on less discussed biosecurity topics such as body organ sellers in Bangladesh, climate change, and the impact of economics on resilience efforts in state emergencies.

This anthology strays away from the familiar discussions of biosecurity and how to prevent bioterror attacks, disease outbreaks, and other disasters feared to be impending. Instead, it shifts the focus to the impact biosecurity measures have had on agriculture, corporations, and economics in nations across the globe.