Export controls and the life sciences: controversy or opportunity? Innovations in the life sciences' approach to export control suggest there are ways to disrupt biological weapons development by rogue states and terrorist groups without impeding research

Export controls were important during the Cold War to prevent the Warsaw Pact states from acquiring advanced technology and weapons. Today, the fear that terrorist groups could acquire the means to develop biological weapons of mass destruction has rekindled interest in export control measures for biological technologies and knowledge. [Image: see text]