Impacts of Emerging Infectious Disease Research on International Security Policy

By W.W. Laegreid Professor, Department of Pathobiology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Published by the Program in Arms Control, Disarmament, and International Security (ACDIS), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

ACDIS International Security Policy Brief series
No. 1 / April 2008

Full text (PDF)

Summary: Dr. Will Laegreid asserts in this policy brief that the occurrence of an emerging infectious disease (EID) event introduced by natural or human causes may have important consequences for international security, with potential serious effects in economic and geopolitical spheres. However, the impacts will vary in magnitude and form depending on a number of factors. Laegreid argues that scientific research examining a variety of potential contexts in which an EID event might occur and informed by policy considerations is required to aid in EID prevention, mitigation, response and recovery.

Policy Recommendations

• Recognize the economic, social, and political implications of emerging infectious diseases, and be prepared to meet international security challenges presented by EID outbreaks with scientifically sound responses.

• Prioritize development of proactive, reliable EID dection methods as the first step to an effective response plan.

• Support research efforts in human and animal disease control strategies and tools that consider a variety of potential contexts in which they may be employed.

• Step up efforts in planning for recovery after an EID event to complement detection and response research. Develop new tools and methods in areas such as animal identification and epidemiology of rare events.