{"product_id":"biological-war","title":"Biological War","description":"\u003csection aria-labelledby=\"biological-overview\"\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"biological-overview\"\u003eAbout Biological War: A Scenario\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnnie Jacobsen’s reported nonfiction examines a biological catastrophe through a scenario that follows the spread of infection and the strain on the systems meant to respond. Interviews with experts in government, medicine, and the military inform its account of how a small beginning could have consequences across society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePreparedness and Human Choices\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book invites readers to distinguish between a scenario and a prediction. What does following events over time reveal that a general description of risk would miss? Consider the relationship between technical capability, institutional preparation, and decisions made under uncertainty. Which questions concern individual judgment, and which concern the way institutions are organized?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eElliot Ackerman’s Reading Context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the recommendation supplied in the authoritative project spreadsheet, Ackerman describes the book as chilling and informative, yet says his response also included gratitude that humanity had not visited such terrors on itself. He expresses respect for Jacobsen’s work. That response offers readers a way to discuss the relationship between imagining catastrophe and recognizing the human choices that can prevent it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatch the 92NY Conversation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJacobsen discusses the book with Ackerman at 92NY.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nnhUb6SjGwE?si=pZUCZSquDOoplkYX\" title=\"Elliot Ackerman in conversation with Annie Jacobsen about Biological War at 92NY\" style=\"max-width:100%;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;height:auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/book-club\/august-2026-book-club-pick-biological-war-a-scenario\"\u003eRead the Biological War: A Scenario Book Club reading guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003c!-- Book context: Biological War: A Scenario; Annie Jacobsen; reported nonfiction; biological warfare; biosecurity; preparedness; Dutton hardcover July 28, 2026, ISBN 9798217046034, 432 pages. Elliot reading response supplied in authoritative spreadsheet; observed 92NY video retained. --\u003e","brand":"Annie Jacobsen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47477579055266,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0717\/9200\/1186\/files\/Biological_War_by_Annie_Jacobsen.jpg?v=1786478153","url":"https:\/\/elliotackerman.com\/products\/biological-war","provider":"Elliot Ackerman","version":"1.0","type":"link"}