Often described as the misuse of science, chemical and biological weapons have incurred widespread opposition over the years. Despite condemnation from the United Nations, governments, and the disarmament lobby, they remain very real options for rogue states and terrorists. In this new edition of Agents of War, Edward M. Spiers has expanded and updated this much-needed history with two new chapters on political poisoning and chemical weapons in the Middle East. Spiers breaks new ground by presenting his analysis in both historical and contemporary contexts, giving a comprehensive chronological account of why, where, and when such weapons were used or suspected to be deployed.

The legacy of gas warfare in the First World War -- Deterrence and disarmament : responses to chemical and biological warfare, 1919-93 -- Chemical warfare in third world conflicts -- The proliferation of chemical and biological weapons -- Iraq's chemical and biological warfare programmes -- Chemical and biological terrorism -- The recurrence of chemical warfare in the Middle East -- Political assassination by poisoning -- Conclusion : The evolving nature of chemical and biological warfare.