The Geopolitical Erosion of Anti-Assassination Norms (warontherocks.com)

• Epibatidine identified in recent high-profile state assassinations.
• Collapse of international norms against chemical/biological weapons use.
• Strategic transition toward clandestine, non-attributable state killings.

"The use of advanced toxins, such as epibatidine, in state-sponsored assassinations signals a significant collapse of global norms against chemical and biological weapons. Historically, such tools were restricted by taboo; however, recent operations targeting high-profile figures indicate that state actors increasingly view assassination as a viable strategic tool. As the threshold for chemical usage is lowered, the international security architecture faces increased volatility. This trend suggests a shift towards untraceable, deniable killings that challenge the effectiveness of existing non-proliferation and human rights frameworks in preventing state-directed lethal activities."