Pandemics and National Security

Traditionally, national security has been narrowly defined as the preservation of the state from physical threats. Still, emerging diseases and their pandemic potential pose perhaps an even greater national security threat, particularly in this era of globalization when disease can spread more rapidly than in previous eras. Thirty four percent of all deaths worldwide are now attributable to infectious disease, while war only accounts for 0.64 percent of those deaths. Moreover, the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 killed approximately 500,000 Americans, more than all wars fought in the 20th century. Improving detection through biosurveillance is the key to stopping epidemics and the United States must increase its funding and focus on improving both domestic and global biosurvellance capability. Additionally, reducing disease transmission through public education and related measures is also crucial to minimizing pandemic impacts. Key terms: Africa, biosurveillance, bioterrorism, infection, national security, and pandemic.