Multi-track Microproliferation: Lessons from Aum Shinrikyo and Al Qaida

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Abstract
This article compares the proliferation activities of the substate groups Aum Shinrikyo and al Qaida, Osama bin Laden's organization. It argues that they are dissimilar in motivation and organizational structure, yet pursued a similar multi-track strategy in an attempt to acquire weapons of mass destruction. The article explores both groups' efforts to obtain these weapons and suggests that the similarities in the methods they used in their pursuit are largely a consequence of the financial resources of Aum and al Qaida. The article concludes that the examples of these groups provide important lessons for governmental efforts to counter future microproliferation. Moreover, since both Aum and al Qaida continue to pose a proliferation threat, continued vigilance towards them remains vital.

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