The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) marks its 50th anniversary, serving as a crucial element in international security by preventing the use of biological weapons. Together with the 1925 Geneva Protocol, these agreements have been instrumental in prohibiting weapons of mass destruction and reinforcing the global stance against using biological agents and toxins as weapons. As noted in the BWC preamble, “such use would be repugnant to the conscience of mankind.” The United States emphasizes its leadership role in combating biological weapons.
The BWC includes several core obligations: States Parties must not develop, produce, or stockpile biological agents or toxins unless justified for peaceful purposes; they must destroy or convert such materials to peaceful uses; they are prohibited from transferring these materials to others; and they must take measures to prevent their development or acquisition within their jurisdiction.
In 1969, the United States unilaterally renounced biological weapons. President Nixon declared on November 25, 1969, that the U.S. would dismantle its biological and toxin weapons program because “mankind already carries in its hands too many of the seeds of its own destruction.” Following this decision, the U.S. began destroying its stockpile and converting production facilities for peaceful purposes. The country also played a key role in negotiating the BWC, which opened for signature on April 10, 1972.
As a depositary State of the BWC, the United States aims to promote universal adherence to this treaty. Since coming into force on March 26, 1975, nearly 190 countries have joined. Five new countries have become members since 2020. Despite this progress, concerns remain about some nations and non-state actors pursuing biological weapons.
