Terrorism The Present Threat in Context

by Sloan, Stephen

• ISBN13: 9781845203436
• ISBN10: 1845203437
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-09-19
• Publisher: Berg Pub Ltd

Summary

When we think "terrorism," our minds conjure up dramatic and horrifying images of hijackings, suicide bombings, assassinations and various other forms of brutal carnage. Placing terrorist acts within a historical context, this book helps us understand the causes, dynamics and outcomes of terrorism. Providing a concise history of terrorism since the French Revolution, the author considers the relationship between terrorism and warfare, crime, technology globalization and the state. He investigates the meaning of the word "terrorism" and shows how the definition and practice have both evolved over time. Throughout, he considers what motivates terrorists and what they hope to accomplish. Written by a pioneer in the field, Terrorism: The Present Threat in Context offers a practical assessment of domestic and international threats to security. This book will help anyone concerned about terrorism learn to evaluate the risks in a rational way, devoid of the hysteria that so often dominates the subject.

Author Biography

Stephen Sloan is University Professor and Fellow in the Global Perspectives Office at the University of Central Florida.

Table of Contents

Foreword	ix
John C. Bersia
Introduction	1	(4)
Chronology of Modern International Terrorism	5	(14)
1 The Meaning of Terrorism: Cutting through the Semantic Jungle	19	(18)
2 Terrorism: A Historical Perspective	37	(10)
3 The Rationale of Terror	47	(12)
4 The Strategies and Tactics of Terrorism	59	(22)
5 The Attack and its Enduring Legacy: The Psychological Impact of Terrorism	81	(12)
6 The Policy Dimensions: On the Community, National and International Levels	93	(10)
7 Future Terrorism	103	(10)
Appendix Working through Terrorism at the Individual, Family and Community Levels	113	(12)
J.B. Hill and Joshua A. Smith
Notes	125	(8)
For Further Reading	133	(2)
Index	135