proliferants

Definition

Individuals, groups, or states that actively seek to acquire, develop, or spread weapons, particularly biological or nuclear weapons.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'proles' (offspring) and 'ferre' (to bear), originally meaning to grow or produce rapidly. It entered English in the 17th century and later adapted to describe the spread of technological or military capabilities.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe actors attempting to build bioweapons, explaining how export controls hinder these actors by creating integration challenges that force them to navigate incompatible materials and technical gaps.

Rethinking the De-skilling Narrative in AI and Biological Weapons Policy

Georgetown Journal of International Affairs

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