Analysis and Evaulation of an Agroterrorism Threat to the Czech Republic

Bc. Tomas Dvoracek

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This master thesis focuses on the topic of agroterrorism, with the aim to provide a preliminary assessment of the agroterrorism threat to the Czech Republic. The theoretical portion first looks at the topic of terrorism, with focus on types, methods, history, and actors. The term agroterrorism is then defined and conceptualized with examples of historical incidents. Types of agroterrorism threats are outlined, followed by the response apparatus in place, with potential consequences and widespread impacts. Biological agents and diseases are classified and ranked by most probable threat. The practical part of the master thesis then uses a risk assessment formula, as well as risk matrix, with inputs from experts in the field of agriculture and security to quantify the agroterrorism threat to the Czech Republic in relation to three sectors - an attack on the water supply, an attack on livestock and an attack on crops. The threat assessment also considers agriculture statistics such as production, consumption as well as self-sufficiency of the Czech Republic. The discussion part leans heavily on the conducted interviews and applies the outputs into an evaluation of the impact of an agroterrorist attack on the Czech Republic from three angles – attack inside the country and impact abroad, attack inside the country and impact domestically, and third, an attack abroad and impact on the Czech Republic. Finally, recommendations on how to improve preparedness and combat an agroterrorism threat from the interviews and literature research are presented.

Keywords

agroterrorism, bioterrorism, terrorism, agriculture, food safety, crisis planning, threat assessment, security

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 30. 3. 2022

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Pavel Kotyza, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Master programme / field:
Economics and Management / European Agrarian Diplomacy