Abstract
Weakening of the prohibitions on the use of chemical and biological weapons risks some States and non-State actors viewing the use of chemical and biological agents as permissible weapons with potentially devastating effects, particularly on civilian populations, and causing significant economic and supply chain impacts. This chapter reflects on allegations of the use of chemical and biological weapons for assassinations and in recent armed conflicts and asks whether the prohibitions on the use of chemical and biological weapons are being weakened, or whether international responses to allegations of the use of these weapons are actually reinforcing the prohibitions. The chapter concludes with the observation that innovations in chemical and biological sciences and technological advancements pose challenges to the ongoing relevance and significance of the prohibitions on the use of chemical and biological weapons. The chapter calls for greater consideration of the law at all stages of the scientific research and development life cycle in order to reinforce and support the prohibitions on the use of chemical and biological weapons.