Terrorism: A Critical Introduction

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This innovative text provides a much-needed critical introduction to terrorism. Cutting-edge research on contemporary issues is combined with new insights into long-debated issues such as the definition of terrorism, the nature of the terrorist threat and counter-terrorism strategies. Showing that the methods we adopt as well as the material we study are vital for a clear understanding of the subject, this text goes beyond traditional IR approaches to rethink popular beliefs and assumptions about terrorism. Taking a genuinely global and integrated approach, this book is an ideal entry into the study of terrorism. In the years since 9/11, terrorism has been transformed into an issue of global significance. Terrorism and the war on terror has affected virtually every aspect of modern life, and a precise understanding of terrorism is now more important - and contentious - than ever. This text examines the origins, perceptions of, and responses to, terrorism and counter-terrorism in the contemporary world. It takes into account recent developments on the world stage as well as within - and in response to - critical terrorism studies. This text is the ultimate companion for students studying terrorism as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. It guides students step-by-step to have a deeper understanding of terrorism and a more nuanced approach to their studies.

Reviews

"A fascinating and thought-provoking book on a vital topic." - Richard English, University of St Andrews, UK "Engagingly written and likely to spark a whole new debate, Rethinking Terrorism provides a critical and groundbreaking analysis of the modern terrorist phenomenon." - Douglas Porpora, Drexel University, USA "A thought-provoking addition to the literature which helps us understand better the relationship between terrorism and the state." - Jonathan Powell, author of Talking to Terrorists

Author Bio

RICHARD JACKSON is Deputy Director at the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Otago, New Zealand. LEE JARVIS is a Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Swansea University, UK. JEROEN GUNNING is a Reader in Middle East Politics and Conflict Studies, Durham University, UK. He was founder and deputy director of the Centre for the Study of 'Radicalisation' and Contemporary Political Violence (CSRV) at Aberyswyth University from 2005-2010. MARIE BREEN-SMYTH is Professor in International Politics, University of Surrey, UK. She was founder and deputy director of the Centre for the Study of 'Radicalisation' and Contemporary Political Violence (CSRV) at Aberyswyth University from 2005-2010.