1367: Annie Jacobsen | The Genes and Germs of Biological Warfare

Bioweapons are cheaper and deadlier than nukes — and we're not ready. Biological Warfare author Annie Jacobsen breaks down how close we are to catastrophe.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1367

What We Discuss with Annie Jacobsen:

• The Soviet bioweapons program was not dismantled after the Cold War — it was absorbed. The State Department says Russia and North Korea run active illegal programs; China and Iran are of concern.
• Bioweapons have a low barrier to entry, needing no uranium or missiles. Experts say one could be made in a basement with basic biology and AI help. The Pentagon rates bio the greatest overall WMD threat.
• Pneumonic plague is 100% fatal without antibiotics within 24 hours. The US has roughly 100 special-pathogen beds for 340 million people, so hospitals would be overwhelmed on day one.
• Soviet scientists inserted a euphoria gene into plague so the infected feel good, stay social, and spread it widely instead of staying home in bed.
• Annie Jacobsen's message is pressure, not panic — a human-made problem has a human solution. Pause risky gain-of-function research, depoliticize the threat, and communicate clearly so leaders can act in time.
• And much more...

And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps!

• Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!
• Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!
• Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors:

• Article: Visit article.com/jordan for $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more
• BetterHelp: 10% off first month: betterhelp.com/jordan
• Boll & Branch: 15% off first set of sheets: bollandbranch.com, code JORDAN
• Progressive Insurance: Free online quote: progressive.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.