NCJ Number
177374
Journal
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: January-March 1999 Pages: 79-91
Date Published
1999
Length
13 pages
Annotation
In March 1995, the Japanese doomsday cult, Aum Shinrikyo, conducted a well-timed and coordinated nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway system, representing the first use of such a weapon by a nonstate group; the attack was completely unexpected, despite years of theorizing and literature discussing the possible use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by terrorist organizations.
Abstract
Aum Shinrikyo possessed all the characteristics of a group that might resort to extreme acts of violence, including a charismatic leader asserting divine authority, an apocalyptic vision, a fascination with violence, and collective paranoia. The primary problems highlighted by the Aum Shinrikyo incident concerned the availability of nerve gas and inadequate intelligence collection by law enforcement. Aum Shinrikyo possessed certain advantages with regard to the actual synthesis of chemical and other agents since the group's membership included various individuals with scientific backgrounds and the group had isolated facilities for agent testing. Other case studies of the use of WMD by terrorist organizations are cited that indicate incidents like the one perpetrated by Aum Shinrikyo may continue. Three books on WMD and terrorism are critically reviewed that offer insights on the Aum Shinrikyo incident and what lessons can be learned from the use of WMD by terrorist organizations. 44 notes