Developments in synthetic biology are raising significant security concerns: Will they enable the creation of dangerous viruses from scratch? Will scientific advances enable radically new pathogens not found in nature to be designed? Is synthetic biology breaking down the boundary between experts and non-experts to such an extent that anyone will be able to develop a biological weapon?Drawing on years of experience working with synthetic biologists, the established team of social scientists behind this book tackle these questions head on in their assessment of whether the misuse potential of synthetic biology is realistic or exaggerated.Through an accessible and engaging narrative that highlights key messages, questions for discussion and classroom exercises, readers are expertly led through the complex technical, historical, social, political and legal landscape at the intersection of synthetic biology and security.