Is the U.S. government prepared for WMD use by hostile actors against either the homeland or its military forces abroad? In considering the effectiveness of its multiple counter-WMD efforts, Mauroni identifies important problems with the government's conceptualization of weapons of mass destruction that lead to poor threat assessment and feeble prioritization among response efforts. Mauroni urges consideration of the strategic similarities and differences among nuclear, radiological, chemical, and biological weapons. His prescription for improving the U.S. response to the threats they pose is measured and thoughtful. This book will spark valuable debate and soul searching. -- Jill Hazelton, Professor, Department of Strategy and Policy, U.S. Naval War College A comprehensive, illuminating, and hard-hitting treatment of how the United States can better understand and counter weapons of mass destruction threats from an experienced expert. -- Elbridge Colby, Robert M. Gates Senior Fellow, Center for a New American Security. Brilliantly assesses the gaps between the WMD threat and the resources DOD devotes to it. A splash of cold water and clarion call for the policy community to take a new look at countering WMD from a perspective that may well be able to adequately address it. Superb review and historical tour de force of contemporary WMD policy, budget, and planning processes for countering WMD. Passionately argues for clarity in defining the very term "WMD" and in policy direction and agency oversight for this vital matter where multiple agencies often work towards the same end, but with little coordination. -- David S. Jonas, Partner, FH+H Firm, a DC area national security law firm, former General Counsel of NNSA, and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown and George Washington University Law Schools.