2025/07/03 by Riya Manas Sharma, Tom Hobson · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research #Genetically Modified Organisms Research #International Maritime Law Issues
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/10736700.2025.2591572
openalex publication_date 2025/07/03 · openalex created_date 2026/02/13 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/14
This article applies a mixed-methods approach to investigate barriers to participation in the confidence-building measures (CBMs) established by the parties to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) and proposes targeted interventions. It begins with an overview of the history and purpose of BWC CBMs, providing a foundational understanding of the mechanism. It then analyzes how CBM participation is associated with relevant state characteristics such as Global Health Security Index scores. The article also presents a qualitative analysis of 51 BWC working papers and national statements to identify recurring operational challenges, national implementation practices, and commonly proposed reforms. Based on these findings, it offers recommendations to address both systemic and national-level barriers to CBM participation. While the challenges of achieving more-stringent verification methods remain, this article aims to explore the potential of pragmatic and incremental improvements to the existing CBM system that may currently offer the most feasible path to enhancing biosecurity in the context of the BWC.