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Gregory Koblentz

@gregkoblentz.bsky.social
1.1K followers 495 following 987 posts

I research, teach, and write about about the causes and consequences of the proliferation of nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological (CBRN) weapons to states and terrorists. Views are my own.

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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 1h
Good summary of what is known so far RFI: Fatal laboratory-acquired infection in Irkutsk Region, Russia; possible pneumonic plague; 197 contacts hospitalized for observation via @beaconbio.bsky.social - beaconbio.org/en/report/?r...,
beaconbio.org
BEACON
Track biological threats, share vital information, and collaborate on solutions for community protection and preparedness.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
"The idea that the Tiger Forces could maintain a system of adapting and using chlorine canisters, construct a military logistics and planning system that go behind it without it being known to Russia is laughable at best." commandwatch.substack.com/p/russia-the...
commandwatch.substack.com
Russia, the Tiger Forces, and the Douma Chemical Attack
An analysis of the Eastern Ghouta campaign and what Russian operational integration means for understanding what happened in Douma in 2018.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Shot: At White House, Trump Asks A.I. Titans to Police Themselves www.nytimes.com/2026/09/29/u... Chaser: OpenAI Ignored Employees Who Warned It Wasn’t Doing Enough About Security www.nytimes.com/2026/09/29/t...
nytimes.com
At A.I. Event, Trump Asks Meta, OpenAI and Microsoft to Make Safety Decisions Themselves
President Trump’s meetings with tech leaders produced some voluntary safeguards and a commitment to rebrand artificial intelligence as “super intelligence,” the term that Mr. Trump prefers.
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Reposted by Gregory Koblentz
ban-cbw.bsky.social @ban-cbw.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
#ChemicalWeapons #OPCW #Budget #USA The USA has not paid its annual contribution to the OPCW, which may have to suspend much of its routine operations (possibly already started in August). Prominent members of the US disarmament community wrote a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. ↘️⬇️⬇️⬇️↙️
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The US is refusing to pay its annual dues to the OPCW. A bipartisan group of nonpro and natsec experts have called upon @state-department.bsky.social to fund the global CW watchdog immediately. @armscontrolnow.bsky.social @nukesofhazard.bsky.social armscontrolcenter.org/time-to-fund...
armscontrolcenter.org
Time To Fund the OPCW - Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
By John Erath Since 1993, chemical weapons have killed thousands, with many times more affected, often suffering for years. This despite the Chemical Weapons Convention ban on such activity and a gene...
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The @scharschool.bsky.social is holding a virtual information session on its PhD programs (Biodefense, Political Science, and Public Policy) on Tuesday, September 29 from 12-1 PM ET. Register here: schar.gmu.edu/admissions/p...
connect.gmu.edu
Patriot Connect Portal
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
These 6 charts show how NIH research funding has been reshaped under Trump @npr.org www.npr.org/2026/09/24/n...
npr.org
These 6 charts show how NIH research funding has been reshaped under Trump
Stories of science funding being cut, labs shutting down and scientists losing jobs have flooded the media under Trump's administration. These six graphics show how those changes have affected U.S. bi...
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Reposted by Gregory Koblentz
McSweeney's @mcsweeneys.net · 25/09/2026
"Well, this shit just got real, didn’t it? Felonies and gourds have one very important commonality: they’re both extremely fucking real." buff.ly/pykYN6f
buff.ly
It’s Decorative Gourd Season, Motherfuckers
For the seventeenth year: Welcome to autumn, fuckheads.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
You should have seen the one that got away. www.twz.com/air/shahed-1...
twz.com
Shahed-136 Clone Found By Florida Fisherman, Eglin AFB Admits It Lost A Drone
The drone hauled in off Florida appears to be of the same family as those used by the U.S. military to strike Iran.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Mounting evidence that Sudan has developed and used chemical weapons. See recent reporting in the thread.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Good because that would be a violation of international law to do so. WHO regulates possession of live variola virus and genome fragments longer than 500 base pairs.
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The Nonproliferation Review @thenonproreview.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Big release of the NPR: our special issue on AI & WMD. All these articles are open-access or temporarily ungated. They should push the literature much further into this crucial domain of understanding how AI is reshaping politics & tech. Read the full issue here: www.tandfonline.com/toc/rnpr20/3...
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Stephen Herzog @herzogsm.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
My new @thenonproreview.bsky.social essay argues that AI–WMD research needs to move beyond its usual focus on just NC3 integration or WMD proliferation. AI is reshaping the whole WMD landscape, and we need to study those effects across the full WMD life cycle. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
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Zoha Naser @zohanaser.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
It was such a pleasure to contribute to this special issue – thank you to the editors for the opportunity! Check out our article revisiting the Four Faces framework in the age of AI below:
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Worried about AI and WMD? The @thenonproreview.bsky.social has just released a special issue dedicated to this topic. Check it out at www.tandfonline.com/toc/rnpr20/3...
tandfonline.com
The Nonproliferation Review
Artificial Intelligence and Weapons of Mass Destruction. Volume 33, Issue 1-3 of The Nonproliferation Review
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Pandora Report 9.11.2026: 25 Years After 9/11 This issue examines the evolution of U.S. biodefense 25 years after 9/11, the continuing debate over H5N1 vaccination, and the emerging applications of AI for detecting biological threats. pandorareport.org
pandorareport.org
The Pandora Report
Where Science Meets Security
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
This and the NYT headline on the Anthropic AIxBio cases are misleading. There is no evidence the research was for BW. Researchers were attempting to circumvent geoblocks on access to AI models like how soccer fans use VPNs to watch World Cup at the office. Most likely mundane, not malicious.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Anthropic report: could AI + synthetic biology = bioweapons? www.celinegounder.com/p/anthropic-...
celinegounder.com
Anthropic report: could AI + synthetic biology = bioweapons?
Anthropic voluntarily blocked five concerning chats, but there are no legal guardrails to protect against potentially nefarious use.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Sudan’s military is accused of using chlorine bombs: here’s how they work and what the law says @us.theconversation.com theconversation.com/sudans-milit...
theconversation.com
Sudan’s military is accused of using chlorine bombs: here’s how they work and what the law says
The use of chemical weapons has been outlawed for nearly a century.
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Reposted by Gregory Koblentz
@NewsJennifer (Jennifer Schulze) @newsjennifer.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The fired managing editor of 60 Minutes let loose yesterday on Bari Weiss' CBS/60M takeover. A must read. "We would not compromise our principles or reputations by jamming unverifiable notions or White House talking points into our reporting." www.theguardian.com/media/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Ex-60 Minutes managing editor says fired staffers ‘refused to be accomplices’ in show’s ‘destruction’
Guy Campanile addresses ouster in Facebook post and says ‘we were told to leave because we insisted on doing our jobs’
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Exclusive: Investigation finds evidence of possible chemical weapons use in Sudan @euronews.com www.euronews.com/2026/09/09/e...
euronews.com
Exclusive: Investigation alleges chemical weapons use in Sudan
Former Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons officials say they have found evidence that the Sudanese government may have deployed chemicals amid the country's ongoing civil war.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Interested in starting or advancing your career in biodefense, global health security, or biorisk management? Find out more about the @scharschool.bsky.social MS in Biodefense at a virtual information session on Sept. 9 at 12 PM ET. Details and registration here: connect.gmu.edu/PatriotConne...
connect.gmu.edu
Patriot Connect Portal
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
You Say You Want a Revolution? How Much Are You Paying? www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/b...
nytimes.com
You Say You Want a Revolution? How Much Are You Paying?
In his new book, Joby Warrick traces the rise and fall of Carlos the Jackal, the notorious terrorist-for-hire.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Pandora Report 9.4.2026 Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! This issue examines the growing importance of local capacity in biodefense, the detection of H5N1 on a U.S. mink farm, and emerging questions at the intersection of AI, biotechnology, and biological security. pandorareport.org
pandorareport.org
The Pandora Report
Where Science Meets Security
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Secret Dossier Adds to Evidence of Chemical Weapons in Sudan www.nytimes.com/2026/09/05/w...
nytimes.com
Secret Dossier Adds to Evidence of Chemical Weapons in Sudan
The documents bolster allegations that the Sudanese military developed and used toxic bombs to gain an edge in the country’s devastating civil war.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Trove of documents reveals alleged chemical weapons stockpile in Sudan
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Important milestone: OPCW has verified destruction of first chemical weapons in Syria since 2014.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Syria begins destroying Assad-era chemical weapons - www.reuters.com/world/syria-...
reuters.com
Syria begins destroying Assad-era chemical weapons
Syria has begun destroying the remnants of a clandestine Assad-era chemical weapons program that it recovered in May, the first such destruction in a decade, a ​Syrian envoy and a U.N. representative ...
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
@rferl.org.web.brid.gy has big new story about possible new BW research institute being built by Russia on Lisiy (Fox) Island, including evidence of high containment lab and links to known military BW institutes www.svoboda.org/a/biologi-v-...
svoboda.org
Биологи в военной форме. Кто изучает вирусы на секретном острове
Радио Свобода и расследовательский проект "Система" выяснили, что Центр экспериментальной физиологии, построенный в 2021-2025 годах на острове посреди Вышневолоцкого водохранилища и занимающийся, по д...
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
@armscontrolnow.bsky.social hosting webinar on Sept. 16 on latest developments on CW destruction, verification, and accountability in Syria. Only good news in the Middle East regarding WMD. www.armscontrol.org/events-and-r...
armscontrol.org
Virtual Briefing: Syria's Chemical Weapons Legacy: Current Issues and Challenges | Arms Control Association
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Syria's Chemical Weapons Legacy: Current Issues and Challenges 9/16, 11 AM EDT @armscontrolnow.bsky.social Featuring Mohamad Katoub, Syria’s Amb. to the OPCW; Ahmet Üzümcü, former DG of the OPCW; Fadel Abdulghany, Director of SNHR; and me. Registration: www.armscontrol.org/events-and-r...
us02web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Syria's Chemical Weapons Legacy: Current Issues and Challenges. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
The Chemical Weapons Convention Coalition and the Arms Control Association invite you to a virtual briefing on Syria's chemical weapon legacy, featuring remarks by Syria’s Amb. to the OPCW, Mohamad Ka...
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Pandora Report 8.28.2026 This issue highlights Syria’s ongoing chemical weapons legacy; Biodefense alumna Saskia Popescu's work in global health security; emerging One Health threats; and the evolving landscape of AI-enabled biology and biosafety regulations. pandorareport.org
pandorareport.org
The Pandora Report
Where Science Meets Security
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Just in time for my first faculty meeting of the academic year tomorrow. Which one of these should I use?
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Good thing I prefer Scotch.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Why a Saudi Nuclear Program Is Not Worth Ending US Nonproliferation Policy nationalinterest.org/feature/why-...
nationalinterest.org
Why a Saudi Nuclear Program Is Not Worth Ending US Nonproliferation Policy
It is unlikely that Russia or China would be willing to support a Saudi nuclear program if the United States refuses to do so.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Trained to run fast but not know when to stop.
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Reposted by Gregory Koblentz
Nuclear Threat Initiative @nti.org · 24/08/2026
Alex Kyabarongo, a student at George Mason University, interned with NTI | bio this summer. Recently, he reflected on his experience and the lessons he learned. ⤵️ pandorareport.org/2026/08/21/p...
pandorareport.org
Pandora Report 8.24.2026: G20 Youth Diplomacy, H5N5, and Africa’s Health Security Index
Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! This issue highlights reflections on the 2026 G20 Youth (Y20) Summit culminating in the G20 Youth Communiqué, emerging infectious disease threats including H5…
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Pandora Report 8.24.2026 Reflections on the 2026 G20 Youth (Y20) Summit and Communiqué, H5N5 and human screwworm infections, lessons from NTI's new Africa Health Security Index, and the evolving landscape of biosafety and biosecurity. And of course AIxBio. pandorareport.org
pandorareport.org
The Pandora Report
Where Science Meets Security
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Reposted by Gregory Koblentz
The New Arab @thenewarab.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Thirteen years after sarin-filled rockets struck the Damascus suburbs, newly uncovered weapons material and records have raised hopes that a case long defined by impunity could move forward. But Syrian rights groups warn that access to evidence will mean little without judicial reform
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Eliot Higgins @eliothiggins.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
13 years since the huge Sarin attacks in Damascus. It's really hard to underestimate what a huge catalyst that was for a denialist network that has spent the last 13 years twisting themselves into knots to find ways to deny the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Title of this article wins the internet today.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
I am Professor Sisyphus.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
This headline is misleading: Trump has been rolling back defenses against natural and deliberate biological threats. It's a race to the bottom that leaves the US and the world more vulnerable to a deliberate, accidental, or natural outbreak. www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
washingtonpost.com
Trump races to prepare for new strains of deadly viruses after cutting biosecurity experts
The administration’s biodefense team has dwindled, and its new safeguards have been delayed — all amid growing concern over AI-enabled pathogens.
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Reposted by Gregory Koblentz
Joby Warrick @jobywarrick.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
One week to go ‘til the launch of my new book “The Jackal,” and I’m happy to share a great review of the book in Monday’s NY Times, and also news that Apple Books has chosen “Jackal” as a staff-selected “best book” for August. See AppleBooks app or free NYT link: www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/b...
nytimes.com
Book Review: ‘The Jackal,’ by Joby Warrick (Gift Article)
In his new book, Joby Warrick traces the rise and fall of Carlos the Jackal, the notorious terrorist-for-hire.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Tracking Health Security Progress and Building Resilience in Africa by Alex Kyabarongo, DVM, @scharschool.bsky.social Biodefense MS student and @nti.org intern www.nti.org/risky-busine...
nti.org
Tracking Health Security Progress and Building Resilience in Africa
The AHS Index is an objective, evidence-based tool that helps countries and organizations set priorities and identify where investments can have the greatest impact. As health threats become more comp...
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Pandora Report 8.7.2026: This issue highlights continued congressional scrutiny of Dr. Fauci, ongoing One Health threats, and opportunities and risks of AI-enabled biology. The Pandora Report will be taking a break next week and will return on August 21, 2026. pandorareport.org
pandorareport.org
Pandora Report 8.7.2026: Fauci Contempt Vote, AIxBio Threats, and One Health Fronts
Welcome to this week’s Pandora Report! This issue highlights continued congressional scrutiny of Anthony Fauci following his Senate hearing, ongoing One Health threats from H5N1 avian influenza and…
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
AI-designed virus www.nytimes.com/2026/08/06/s...
nytimes.com
This A.I. Just Created Viruses Not Found in Nature
Scientists trained artificial intelligence on libraries of DNA and then asked the model to create recipes for viral genomes. Sixteen of them were viable, yielding new viruses.
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Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Shikhani says accountability for chemical attacks in Syria essential for justice sana.sy/en/syria/233...
sana.sy
Shikhani says accountability for chemical attacks in Syria essential for justice
Damascus, Aug. 6 (SANA) Nidal Shikhani, the director general of the Chemical Violations Documentation Center of Syria (CVDCS), said those responsible for
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Al Mauroni @progmil.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
We ought to be careful not to overexaggerate biological threats to the point of paralyzing policy discussions on this topic. Annie Jacobsen's book does no one any favors here. almauroni.substack.com/p/fearmonger...
almauroni.substack.com
Fearmongering About Biological Threats
The "Death of Expertise" is displayed once again
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Al Mauroni @progmil.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Very pleased to have had the opportunity to work with April Arnold on this article, just released on #WotR warontherocks.com/possible-is-...
warontherocks.com
Possible Is Not Plausible: How Nightmare Scenarios Hijack Unconventional Weapons Policy
Current conversations surrounding unconventional weapons — chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear — have become so fantastical as to be
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