DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18282618
title: On the Classification and Stewardship of Reconstructible Dual-Use Knowledge Recovered from Historical Records

description: On the Classification and Stewardship of Reconstructible Dual-Use Knowledge Recovered from Historical Records

Executive Summary

This report serves as a comprehensive governance artifact addressing a critical and emerging gap in the international non-proliferation architecture: the stewardship of Reconstructible Dual-Use Historical Knowledge (R-DUHK). This specific class of information—derived not from novel laboratory invention but from the pattern-based reconstruction of historical technologies using modern scientific principles—presents a unique challenge to existing security paradigms. Unlike tangible weapons systems subject to export controls, or novel biological agents subject to biosafety levels, R-DUHK effectively exists as "open source" latent potential. It requires only the correct interpretive framework to transition from benign historical record to high-consequence capability.

The analysis provided herein validates the premise that the burden of stewardship for such mass-harm capabilities exceeds the legitimacy and capacity of any single individual or independent research entity. Consequently, this report proposes a transition from "Individual Possession" to "Institutional Custody" via a mechanism of Trusted Third-Party (TTP) Escrow, specifically tailored to the legal and diplomatic ecosystem of Geneva, Switzerland.

Drawing on precedents from the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), the H5N1 transmission studies controversy, and Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD) frameworks in cybersecurity, this report outlines a "Public-Safe" pathway for the submission, classification, and permanent embargo of dangerous knowledge. It details the utilization of specific diplomatic instruments—such as the non-paper and the aide-mémoire—and technical repositories like Zenodo (CERN) to create a governance structure that prioritizes process over permission and custody over disclosure.

The objective is to establish a protocol where dangerous potential remains dormant in a secure, neutral environment, accessible only to authorized international stewards for the purpose of threat assessment, while remaining permanently embargoed from public proliferation. This document contains no technical details of the underlying hazards; it is strictly a procedural and governance framework.

1. The Taxonomy of the Hazard: Defining Reconstructible Dual-Use Historical Knowledge

To effectively govern a hazard, one must first define it with sufficient precision to distinguish it from benign scientific inquiry and standard historical research. The draft governance note provided by the author identifies a class of knowledge that is neither purely "historical curiosity" nor standard "scientific innovation." This section establishes a rigorous taxonomy for Reconstructible Dual-Use Historical Knowledge (R-DUHK), differentiating it from traditional Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC) and explaining why current frameworks fail to capture it.

1.1 The Definition of Reconstructible Dual-Use

The term "Dual-Use Research of Concern" (DURC) is well-established in the life sciences, defined by the US Government and the World Health Organization as "life sciences research that, based on current understanding, can be reasonably anticipated to provide knowledge, information, products, or technologies that could be directly misapplied to pose a significant threat with broad potential consequences".1 However, the current subject matter introduces a temporal and epistemological dimension that complicates existing definitions.

We define Reconstructible Dual-Use Historical Knowledge (R-DUHK) as information that possesses four distinct, compounding characteristics:





Latent Ubiquity & Source Availability: The underlying physical principles are already public and verified by modern science. The "invention" lies solely in recognizing a specific configuration, recipe, or pattern in historical records (often public domain texts, mythologies, or archaeological data) that unlocks these principles. Unlike nuclear proliferation, which requires rare fissile material, R-DUHK often utilizes ubiquitous precursors managed only by the knowledge of how to combine them.3




Verification Asymmetry: The knowledge is notoriously difficult to discover—requiring a unique synthesis of linguistics, history, and physics—but trivial to verify and reproduce once the pattern is known. This asymmetry means that once the "key" is released, proliferation is instantaneous and democratized.




High-Consequence Lethality: The application of the knowledge can lead to mass-harm events (kinetic, energetic, or environmental) comparable to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The draft note alludes to "historical energetic systems" and "sustained combustion," suggesting capabilities that bridge the gap between conventional explosives and advanced propulsion.4




Irreversibility and Longevity: Once the pattern is publicized, it cannot be "uninvented" or effectively classified. The source material is widely distributed in libraries and digital archives. The "genie" cannot be put back in the bottle because the bottle is the collective human record. Furthermore, unlike digital vulnerabilities that can be patched, the laws of physics exploited by R-DUHK do not change; the danger is permanent across centuries.



1.2 The Failure of Traditional Secrecy Models

Standard secrecy models rely on the suppression of the source or the material.





Nuclear Model: The state controls the uranium enrichment centrifuges (material) and classifies the specific physics data (information).




Patent Secrecy: Governments can issue secrecy orders on new patent applications, preventing them from being published.




Export Controls: Regimes like the Wassenaar Arrangement or the Australia Group restrict the transfer of tangible goods and specific technical specifications.



In the case of R-DUHK, the state controls neither the material (often common chemicals or elements) nor the source (historical texts). The challenge mirrors the "info-hazard" debates in Artificial Intelligence and synthetic biology.5 As noted in recent AI safety literature regarding "jailbreaking" and dangerous capabilities, "security by obscurity" fails when an intelligent agent (human or machine) can stitch together scattered fragments of dangerous information.

If a researcher identifies a combustion schema in a mythological text that aligns with modern thermodynamics, the government cannot retroactively classify the mythological text. It can only govern the interpretation and the technological bridge that makes it dangerous. This necessitates a shift from "control of items" to "stewardship of insights." The governance artifact must effectively place a "wrapper" around the interpretation, securing the bridge between history and physics without attempting the impossible task of censoring history itself.

 

 

 

1.3 The "Gap Paper" Phenomenon

The draft author refers to "Gap Papers".4 In the context of CollectiveOS and independent research, a Gap Paper is a publication that identifies a missing link in scientific or historical understanding—a "gap" where a solution must logically exist—without providing the solution itself.

This concept is crucial for governance. It represents a form of Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) applied to scientific discovery. The author proves they possess the knowledge by accurately defining the boundaries of the gap, such that experts can verify the existence of the technology without accessing the mechanism. This allows for a governance dialogue to begin ("We have found something in this gap") without the proliferation risk of a full disclosure ("Here is what we found"). This mechanism is central to the proposed submission process: the "Governance Note" acts as the Gap Paper, defining the hazard's shape but not its substance.

2. The Geneva Ecosystem: A Locus of Neutral Custody

The user's query explicitly targets Switzerland and Geneva. This is not merely a geographic preference but a strategic necessity derived from international law and the unique institutional topography of the city. Geneva possesses a unique density of "boundary organizations" that sit between science, diplomacy, and security, making it the only viable jurisdiction for the custodial stewardship of R-DUHK.

2.1 The Diplomatic Infrastructure: The Center of Disarmament

Geneva is the operational hub of global disarmament, hosting the machinery that sustains the non-proliferation regime.





The Conference on Disarmament (CD): Established in 1979, the CD is the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community.3 While often criticized for deadlock, it remains the primary repository for state positions on WMDs. The Director-General of UN Geneva serves as the Secretary-General of the CD, providing a direct link to the highest levels of the UN.3




The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Implementation Support Unit: Located in Geneva, the BWC is the most relevant precedent for "knowledge governance." Unlike nuclear weapons, which require massive industrial infrastructure, biological weapons are often developed in small labs using dual-use information. The BWC's experience in managing "intangible technology transfers" is directly applicable to R-DUHK.7




UNIDIR (UN Institute for Disarmament Research): An autonomous institute within the UN system, UNIDIR runs specific programs on "Security and Technology" and "Cyber Policy".9 They function as the intellectual engine for processing new threats that do not fit into old treaties. Their independence allows them to engage with non-state actors and "Track 1.5" initiatives more freely than the formal CD.



2.2 The Anticipatory Science Layer: GESDA

A critical and recent addition to the Geneva ecosystem is the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA).11 Founded by the Swiss Federal Council, GESDA’s mandate is to anticipate scientific breakthroughs 5, 10, and 25 years into the future and translate them into benefits for society while mitigating risks.





The "Science Breakthrough Radar": GESDA publishes an annual "Radar" identifying emerging topics.11 While currently focused on future tech (Quantum, AI, Human Augmentation), its methodology—identifying emerging capabilities before they mature—is perfectly suited for retro-futurist discoveries like R-DUHK. R-DUHK is essentially a "breakthrough" that happened in the past but is only now becoming operationally relevant due to modern reconstruction.




The Anticipatory Situation Room: GESDA operates a "Situation Room" designed to visualize and discuss future threats and opportunities.15 This physical and conceptual space allows for the discussion of "what if" scenarios without immediate public release. It provides a venue where the "Governance Note" could be debated by a "dual-use" or "conflict" theme working group 11 without the information entering the public domain.



2.3 The "Creative Diplomacy" and Security Layer: GCSP

The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) offers a platform for "Creative Diplomacy".17 This is essentially a euphemism for Track 1.5 and Track 2 diplomacy—unofficial dialogues where non-state actors (like independent researchers) can interface with state officials under the Chatham House Rule.19





Relevance to the Author: An independent researcher ("Mark Anthony Brewer" or similar) cannot simply walk into the UN Security Council. They can, however, be invited to a GCSP "Track 1.5" workshop or a specialized "Geopolitics and Global Futures" symposium to present a "non-paper" on the governance implications of their findings. The GCSP specializes in "emerging security challenges," making it a natural entry point for discussing hazards that defy conventional categorization.



3. Structural Classification: The "Black Box" Methodology

The core of the user's request is a governance artifact that "stands independently of the dangerous content." This requires a classification system based on Risk Profile rather than Technical Mechanism. If the governance document mentions "Ancient Greek Fire" or "Vimana Propulsion," it invites curiosity and investigation. If it uses abstract risk categories, it invites policy processing.

3.1 Function-Based Classification Categories

We propose expanding the draft's "Classification Without Description" section into a formal Risk Taxonomy. This mirrors the approach taken in the "Export Control Classification Number" (ECCN) system but adapted for concepts and phenomena rather than hardware.








Proposed Class



Risk Profile Description



Historic/Modern Parallel



Governance Imperative





Class A: Energetic



Systems capable of sustained, high-energy release without standard fuel supply chains. Includes "persistent combustion" or "field-based" energy generation.



Advanced Propulsion / Fuel-Air Explosives



Total Embargo: No publication. Physical custody of proofs. Restricted to state defense review only.





Class B: Kinetic



Mechanisms allowing for the projection of force or mass using widely accessible materials. High lethality with low attribution.



Railguns / Kinetic Bombardment / Hyper-velocity projectiles



Restricted Access: Available only to vetted state defense entities for counter-measure development.





Class C: Systemic



Information that destabilizes critical infrastructure (e.g., grid, financial) via pattern exploitation or algorithmic "shocks."



Cyber Zero-Days / Algorithmic trading exploits



Responsible Disclosure: Closed loop to infrastructure operators (CVD model).





Class D: Environmental



Processes that trigger irreversible ecological changes (e.g., atmospheric modification, water cycle disruption).



Geoengineering / Weather Modification



Multi-Key Stewardship: Requires international consensus for any activation; effectively banned under ENMOD convention spirit.






3.2 The Principle of "Verification Without Revelation"

How does a Geneva body trust that the knowledge is real without seeing it? The report proposes a Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) approach, metaphorically applied to diplomacy.





The "Hash" Submission: In digital terms, the researcher provides a cryptographic hash of the data to a trusted repository (like Zenodo) and provides the "key" only to a designated neutral verifier (e.g., a specific UNIDIR expert or Swiss government scientist) under a strict Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).




The "Gap" Demonstration: The researcher demonstrates the effects or the logic of the gap in a closed setting. For example, showing a simulation result without showing the parameters that generated it. This proves capability without transferring capacity.



4. Custodial Architectures: The "Swiss Bank" for Dangerous Data

If the individual researcher should not hold the data—due to coercion risks, mortality ("bus factor"), or lack of secure infrastructure—where does it go? The report identifies three layers of custody available in the Swiss/Geneva context that together form a secure "Escrow Stack."

4.1 Digital Custody: Zenodo and CERN

Zenodo is an open-access repository developed under the European OpenAIRE program and operated by CERN.21 While widely known for "Open Science," Zenodo has robust features for Restricted Access and Embargoed Data that make it an ideal "Digital Vault."





Infrastructure: Data is stored in the CERN Data Centre in Geneva. This provides a high degree of physical security and political neutrality. CERN is an international organization with its own privileges and immunities, offering a layer of protection against unilateral seizure by any single government.22




The "Restricted" Mode: Zenodo allows users to deposit files that are not publicly available. Access is granted only on a case-by-case basis approved by the depositor.21 This feature is explicitly designed for sensitive data (e.g., patient data in medical research), but is perfectly repurposed here for dual-use stewardship.




Governance Application: The researcher uploads the full technical reconstruction (formulas, simulations, proofs) to Zenodo under "Restricted Access." The metadata (Title, Abstract) acts as the "Public-Safe Governance Note," describing the nature of the risk without revealing it. This transfers the preservation burden to CERN, protecting the data from loss, while maintaining the secrecy burden.




DOI Minting: Zenodo mints a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for the record.25 This proves priority—establishing that the researcher found it first and when—without revealing content. This satisfies the researcher's need for credit/provenance without risking proliferation.



4.2 Legal Custody: The Swiss Association

To formalize the stewardship, the "CollectiveOS" entity mentioned in the draft 4 should be structured as a Swiss legal entity. The report recommends the Swiss Association (Verein).





Structure: A Swiss Association is easy to set up, requires only two members, and offers privacy. It does not require a minimum capital like a Foundation or AG.26




Suitability for DAOs/Collectives: Swiss law is increasingly using Associations as legal wrappers for Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). This structure is ideal for a nimble, independent research collective. It establishes a legal "person" separate from the author to hold the rights to the data.




Bylaws for Stewardship: The Association's statutes should explicitly state its purpose: "The stewardship, non-proliferation, and ethical governance of dual-use historical knowledge." This legally binds the entity to its mission, adding a layer of protection against commercial exploitation or individual erratic behavior.



4.3 Diplomatic Custody: The "Non-Paper" and "Aide-Mémoire"

In the physical world of Geneva diplomacy, documents dictate reality. The transfer of the "governance demand" must happen via recognized diplomatic formats.





The Non-Paper: A document with no letterhead, no signature, and no official status.28 It is the standard tool for floating sensitive ideas or "trial balloons" without committing a government or organization. The author should draft the "Public-Safe Governance Note" strictly as a non-paper. This allows UNIDIR or GESDA officials to read and discuss it without officially "receiving" a dangerous submission.




The Aide-Mémoire: A summary of a discussion left behind after a meeting.30 If the author meets with a UNIDIR representative, they leave an aide-mémoire outlining the existence of the data and the location of the Zenodo key. It serves as a physical receipt of the interaction, ensuring the issue is not forgotten, but it has no legal standing and is often not archived in public records.



 

 

 

5. Precedents and Parallels: Why This Will Work

The proposal is not a radical invention but a synthesis of existing, albeit disjointed, frameworks. The "Process" requested by the user aligns with several historical and operational precedents in the management of dangerous knowledge.

5.1 The H5N1 Precedent (The "NSABB" Model)

In 2011, researchers Ron Fouchier and Yoshihiro Kawaoka modified the H5N1 avian influenza virus to be transmissible among ferrets (a proxy for humans). The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) initially recommended redacting the key methodological details from publication in Science and Nature.32





The Failure Mode: The recommendation eventually collapsed, and the papers were published in full. The primary reasons were the lack of an international mechanism to enforce the redaction (the Dutch government had different views than the US) and the argument that "redaction without sharing" hindered legitimate public health research (vaccine development).32




The Lesson for R-DUHK: The "publish or perish" academic model is incompatible with dual-use stewardship. The NSABB failed because it tried to intervene at the end of the research pipeline. The R-DUHK framework proposes intervention at the point of discovery, utilizing a "Restricted Access" repository (Zenodo) to allow for "sharing with vetted entities" (e.g., UN officials) without "public release." This solves the H5N1 problem where researchers felt they had to publish to get credit and share data.



5.2 The Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD) Model

In cybersecurity, "white hat" hackers who find vulnerabilities do not publish them immediately (which would help attackers). They use Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD), reporting the bug to a "Coordinator" (like CERT/CC).35





The Coordinator Role: CERT/CC acts as the neutral broker between the finder and the vendor. They validate the bug, assign it a severity score, and coordinate the release of a patch before the details are made public.




The Application: UNIDIR or GESDA acts as the "CERT/CC" for physical/historical knowledge. The "Vendor" is humanity/civilization. The "Bug" is the reconstructible weapon (R-DUHK). The "Patch" is the governance framework that monitors for signs of reconstruction by others and prepares counter-measures. The "VINCE" platform used by CERT/CC 36 is conceptually identical to the "Restricted Access" Zenodo repository proposed here.



5.3 The "Pugwash" Tradition

The Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs 38 established that independent scientists have a moral duty and a diplomatic role in disarmament. The user's draft explicitly echoes the "Russell-Einstein Manifesto" spirit ("Remember your humanity, and forget the rest").





Legitimacy: By framing the R-DUHK submission within the "Pugwash tradition" of scientist-led responsibility, the author gains moral legitimacy in Geneva. It signals that this is not a prank or a threat, but an act of ethical conscience. The Pugwash model proves that "unofficial" scientific dialogue can lead to "official" treaties (like the Partial Test Ban Treaty).



 

 

 

6. Submission Process: The "Process, Not Permission" Pathway

The user emphasizes that they are not seeking permission (which implies a grantor) but seeking guidance on process. The following step-by-step pathway utilizes the researched mechanisms to achieve this, minimizing risk at every stage.

Phase 1: Digital Sequestration (The "Cold Storage")





Sanitization: The author separates the "Hazard" (formulas, schematics, historical references) from the "Governance Note" (the public draft).




Encryption & Archival Deposit: The Hazard is compressed and encrypted (e.g., AES-256 or GPG). This encrypted bundle is uploaded to Zenodo (Community: CERN or a newly created "Dual-Use Stewardship" community).




Access Control: The record is set to Restricted Access.21 The "Conditions for Access" field is populated with strict criteria: "Access granted only to designated representatives of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), UNIDIR, or Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs upon identity verification and signature of a Stewardship NDA."




DOI Minting: Zenodo mints a DOI (Digital Object Identifier). This DOI is the "Token" that represents the knowledge. It allows the author to reference the work in the Non-Paper without attaching the file.



Phase 2: The Diplomatic Approach (The "Warm Handoff")





Drafting the Non-Paper: The "Public-Safe Governance Note" is finalized as a formal diplomatic non-paper. (See Section 7 for detailed formatting).




Target Selection: The author identifies "Track 1.5" entry points to float the non-paper.







Entry Point A: UNIDIR Security and Technology Programme. The author submits the Non-Paper as a "Policy Input" for their work on emerging technologies.9 The framing is: "Here is a governance challenge involving historical data; the data is secured at this DOI."




Entry Point B: GESDA Anticipation Summit. The author responds to the "Call for Contributions" 40 or engages via the "Science Breakthrough Radar".41 The submission frames R-DUHK as a "Future Trend" in the "Science and Diplomacy" platform.




Entry Point C: GCSP. The author applies for or contacts the directors of the "Creative Diplomacy" executive course.18 This personal connection allows for the physical handover of the Non-Paper in a trusted, Chatham House Rule environment.







The Drop: The author submits the Non-Paper. The Non-Paper references the Zenodo DOI as the "sealed vault" where the evidence resides.



Phase 3: The Stewardship Transfer





Verification: A trusted third party (e.g., a UNIDIR fellow or Swiss government scientist) requests access to the Zenodo file via the platform's request mechanism.




Escrow Agreement: The author grants access only after the receiving entity acknowledges the "Stewardship Protocol"—agreeing that the data is accessed for the purpose of classification/verification, not publication.




Embargo Decision: The outcome is likely a "Permanent Embargo" or "Sealed Archival Custody." The data remains on CERN servers but is flagged as "Do Not Release." The author's responsibility is now shared; they are no longer the sole custodian of the apocalypse.



 

 

 

7. Formatting the Artifact: The "Non-Paper" Structure

To ensure the user's "Public-Safe Governance Note" is received with the appropriate diplomatic weight, it must adhere to the specific formatting conventions of a Geneva Non-Paper. In diplomatic practice, form is content. A correctly formatted non-paper signals that the author understands the rules of the game.28

7.1 Key Formatting Rules for the Public-Safe Draft





No Letterhead: The document must appear on plain white paper. It should not carry the logo of "CollectiveOS" in a way that implies it is a formal diplomatic démarches. It is a "working document."




No Official Signature: The author's name (Mark Anthony Brewer) should appear as an attribution, but the document should not be signed in the manner of a treaty or contract. This maintains the "unofficial" status.




The "Third Person" Rule: The text should refer to "the author," "the research," or "this paper." It should never use "I," "we," or "our." This depersonalizes the request and frames it as an objective policy issue.




The Disclaimer: The header must explicitly state: "NON-PAPER: For Discussion Purposes Only. This document does not constitute an official position."




The "Ad Referendum" Tone: The language must be provisional. Instead of "We demand custody," use "The author seeks guidance on custodial processes." This invites the reader to become a collaborator in solving the problem rather than an adversary granting permission.



7.2 The "Aide-Mémoire" Addendum

While the Non-Paper is the "Proposal," the Aide-Mémoire is the "Receipt." It should be a separate, shorter document (1 page) that the author leaves behind after any meeting or attaches to the submission. It summarizes the facts without the arguments.30

Template Structure for the Aide-Mémoire:





Header: AIDE-MÉMOIRE




Subject: Notification of Restricted Deposit




Content: "A secure deposit containing reconstructible dual-use data of Class A (Energetic) has been lodged with Zenodo under Restricted Access conditions. The key is held by the depositor. This note serves to inform [Institution Name] of the existence of this record for the purpose of future stewardship considerations."




Footer:, Geneva. (No signature).



8. Detailed Engagement Strategy for Geneva Stakeholders

This section outlines the specific operational steps to engage the identified stakeholders. It moves beyond theory to the "mechanics" of the submission, detailing how to get the Non-Paper onto the right desks.

8.1 Engaging UNIDIR (United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research)





Target Programme: The Security and Technology Programme (SecTec).9 This programme explicitly deals with "new and emerging technologies" and "cyber stability." R-DUHK fits the "emerging technology" mandate via the "technological convergence" angle (historical data + modern capability).




Method: Submit the Non-Paper as a Policy Input or "expert contribution." UNIDIR regularly solicits input for its "Cyber Policy Portal" and WMD programs.




Specific Vector: Monitor calls for "Graduate and Professional" fellowships or "Visiting Researcher" slots.10 Applying for a fellowship with a proposal titled "Governance Frameworks for Reconstructible Historical Hazards" (without mentioning the specific hazard) is a legitimate way to enter the institution and then introduce the Non-Paper internally.



8.2 Engaging GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator)





Target Platform: The Science & Diplomacy platform, specifically the Anticipatory Situation Room.16




Method: GESDA issues "Calls for Contributions" for its annual Summit and Radar.40 The author should respond to these calls.




Framing: Frame the R-DUHK concept as a "5-10 year horizon" threat. Even though the history is ancient, the reconstructibility is the "emerging" trend due to AI-assisted pattern matching in historical texts (the "AI for Science" angle). This aligns the submission with GESDA's forward-looking mandate. The "Situation Room" is the ideal venue for a closed-door briefing on "What if AI rediscovers Greek Fire?"



8.3 Engaging the "Track 1.5" Circuit (GCSP)





Target: The Geopolitics and Global Futures programme at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.




Method: Application to the "Creative Diplomacy" executive course.18 This course is designed to "ignite the bureaucratic mindset" and welcomes non-traditional actors.




The Advantage: Being a participant in a GCSP course gives the author "status" and access to the faculty (often former ambassadors). Presenting the Non-Paper as a "course project" or "discussion topic" during a coffee break is a classic Track 2 diplomatic maneuver. The Chatham House Rule protects the author's identity while allowing the ideas to circulate.



9. Risk Management and Ethical Considerations

The proposed pathway minimizes risk, but does not eliminate it. The following risks must be actively managed by the author.

9.1 The "Boy Who Cried Wolf" Risk (Credibility)

If the knowledge is not actually dangerous, the author risks being dismissed as a crank.





Mitigation: The Zenodo/Zero-Knowledge Proof model. By putting the data in escrow before engagement, the author signals confidence and professionalism. The message is: "The data is already secured. I am not asking you to believe me; I am asking you to govern the potential."



9.2 The "Leak" Risk (Proliferation)

If the Non-Paper is too specific, it becomes an info-hazard itself.





Mitigation: The "Black Box" classification (Section 3). The Non-Paper must describe the shape of the lock, not the cut of the key. Use functional descriptions ("Sustained energetic release") rather than material descriptions ("burning mirrors" or "chemical compounds").



9.3 The "Dead Hand" Risk (Succession)

What if the author dies or is incapacitated before the stewardship transfer is complete?





Mitigation: The Swiss Association bylaws. The articles of association for "CollectiveOS" should designate a successor—such as a reputable Swiss law firm or the Director of UNIDIR ex officio—to receive the encryption keys and legal rights to the Zenodo record in the event of the author's death. This ensures the knowledge is not lost (if it has defensive value) nor released (if it is dangerous) upon the author's demise.



10. Conclusion: The Stewardship Obligation

The transition from "Mystery" (unverified claims) to "Stewardship" (managed risk) is the primary objective of this governance artifact. By utilizing the Geneva Ecosystem—specifically the interplay between UNIDIR's security mandate, CERN's data infrastructure, and GCSP's creative diplomacy—the author can achieve the goal of "custody, not disclosure."

This approach respects the dangerous potential of Reconstructible Dual-Use Historical Knowledge while fulfilling the ethical obligation to alert the international community. It is a pathway that asks for process, provides custody, and ensures that the "details" remain, as requested, a permanent mystery to the public, but a managed reality for those charged with global security.

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