Weapons of Mass Destruction are diverse and pose unique challenges to governments attempting to keep them out of the wrong hands and preparing to respond to an attack. This text analyzes Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons and terrorist groups with a known interest in them. It presents accessible information about the technical challenges posed by each type of weapon, assesses the threats, and reviews the US governmental responses. It provides structured CBRN case studies and allows for easy comparison of threats, challenges, and responses. The text combines weapons and policy information in one comprehensive and comparative resource for researchers and students interested in key issues in modern terrorism and international security.

Introduction to WMD and interested groups -- WMD and key concepts -- Terrorist group interest, efforts and use of WMD -- U.S. governmental WMD policy responses -- CBRN : agents, threats, and responses -- Chemical agents and weapons -- Biological agents and weapons -- Radiological isotopes and weapons -- Fissile materials and nuclear weapons -- Conclusions -- Terrorist organizations and WMD : summary of the threats and US responses.