Trust and Transparency: Antidotes against Corona Conspiracies
Author(s): Michèle Gemünden
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich
Publication Year: 2020
Many theories are circling around the origin of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Although scientists agree that the virus has not been manipulated, rumors persist about the possibility that it leaked from a laboratory in Wuhan or that it is a biological weapon. The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) bans biological weapons, but lacks effective control mechanisms. Strengthening the BTWC could help in reducing the uncertainty that provides a basis for conspiracy theories, argues Michèle Gemünden in her contribution for the CSS Corona Blog.