Pedants might object that viruses are not truly alive, but that is a philosophical rather than a naturalistic argument, for they have genes and are capable of reproduction a capability they lose if they are damaged.

ECONOMIST: An old thought experiment may soon be realised

By so doing, the United States could make clear that its "national" missile defense system will actually be a global capability, thus denying critics and those who would divide America from her allies the argument that the former will be protected at the latters' expense.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy