Originally Syndicated on September 14, 2023 @ 5:35 am
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, recently granted an interview to a number of journalists, during which he discussed his fears about the potentially deadly power of genetic technologies. During the course of their chat, he brought to their attention the need to take precautions to ensure that advances in genetic research do not endanger the human race.
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Genetic Technology Development Programme
Since the year 2019, Russia has been participating in a government scientific and technological initiative that is primarily geared towards the advancement of genetic technology. This effort was launched by a presidential decree, and it is backed by considerable investments, which are anticipated to rise by 9.5% per year until the year 2031.
Putin’s Vision for Genetic Technologies
In the year 2020, Vladimir Putin shared his ideas on genetic technologies, describing them as instruments that may prevent and cure major illnesses, expand human life expectancy, and provide a variety of other benefits. He compared the growth of genetic technology to significant endeavours of the 20th century, such as the atomic and space missions.
Genetics as a “Serious Weapon”
During a discussion with a group of kids, Vladimir Putin referred to genetics as a “serious weapon.” In addition to this, he discussed the opportunities and advantages that may be gained through genetic research.
The fact that Putin made these comments during an open session with pupils demonstrates that he intends to teach the younger generation about the significance of ethics in genetics research as well as the possible hazards that are involved in the process.
Putin argued for the establishment of safeguards to prevent the potentially beneficial outcomes of genetic research from developing into dangers for humankind.
How has Putin’s concerns about genetic technologies influenced Russia’s policies?
Putin’s concerns about genetic technologies have influenced Russia’s policies in several ways. Here are some of the ways:
- National genetics research programme: Putin has made genetic security a top priority when creating a national genetics research ram. The Kremlin has been worried about DNA studies of the Russian population for several years, and Putin wants to control Russian genes and genetic studies just as much as he wants to control cyberspace.
- Funding for genetic technologies: In late April 2022, Russian authorities approved a budget of 220 billion rubles ($3.3 billion) to develop new genetic technologies over the next eight years.
- Legislation on GMOs: Russia passed a law in July 2016 banning the production of genetically modified foods, despite repeated protests by the Russian Academy of Sciences.
- Putin’s ideology: Putin’s ideology, called Scientific Putinism, is anti-liberal, anti-Western, isolationist, paternalistic, and harshly authoritarian. It lacks development goals and a corresponding vision for the future, and it is counter-modernization. Putin has started to refer to Russia as an entire civilization, and the state is not just.
In summary, Putin’s concerns about genetic technologies have led to increased funding for genetic technologies, a national genetics research programme, and legislation on GMOs. His ideology is also influenced by his concerns about genetic technologies.
Focus on technological sovereignty
Additionally, Putin encouraged Russian scientists to actively contribute to the achievement of technical sovereignty in sectors such as the energy industry, the security sector, and the industrial sector.
Biological Weapons Discussion
Notably, conversations have taken place inside the Russian government concerning the possibility of developing weapons based on new concepts, such as genetic technology. These conversations were included in a collection of articles that the Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, released in 2012.
Concerns About Biological Weapons
Issues have been expressed in light of the fact that the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention of 1972 forbids the use of biological weapons, which include organisms that have been genetically modified.
Discussions regarding genetic weapons have highlighted these issues. Russia has said that it is in conformity with the pact and has denied that it has any role in the creation of biological weapons.
International Obligations
At the Seventh Review Conference of the Treaty, which took place in December in Geneva, Russia reaffirmed its commitment to meeting its commitments under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention by asserting that it does not develop, manufacture, stockpile, acquire, or maintain biological or toxin weapons. Additionally, Russia said that it does not have any biological or toxic weapons in its possession.
What is the current state of genetic technology research in Russia?
Here are some key points:
- In 2018, the Russian government declared genetic technology research a priority by Presidential Decree No. 680.
- The Federal Scientific and Technical Programme for the Development of Genetic Technologies started in 2019 and has been extended until 2030.
- Russia has begun research using new genetic technologies in breeding, including genome editing, and has already achieved some striking results.
- However, there are also concerns about the regulatory framework for the safe use of genetic technology products and the need to update legislative norms to match the current level of science in this area.
- Russian legislation on genetic engineering lags behind the rapid developments in this field.
Final Words
Vladimir Putin’s statements and internal discussions within the Russian government have brought to light the potential risks and benefits of genetic technology. It is vital to find a balance between such scientific achievements and ethical and international responsibilities in order to put a halt to the improper exploitation of scientific discoveries.
