3 Review(s)

Unbiased in perspective, this text 1) examines the known facets of contemporary terrorism — explaining what terrorism is, who carries it out, how terrorist acts are committed, 2) analyzes the laws and special forces which nations within the international community have created to meet this challenge, and 3) predicts forthcoming patterns of terrorism in the new century. Post Cold War in focus and written specifically for undergraduate students, it helps them evaluate the dimensions of the problems presented by contemporary terrorism, and challenges them to develop solutions. Salient Features Provides an unbiased perspective throughout — emphasizing that “terrorists” are the acts — and not the individuals, groups, or governments which commit them. Uses International Law as the basis for defining the limitations which the international community has collectively imposed on certain types of behavior. Shows that not every act of political violence is a “terrorist” act. Emphasizes that it is essential to examine the “outside edges” of the law to determine which actions are “terrorism” and which are legitimate acts by revolutionary groups or governments. Offers a look at terrorism in historical perspective — with emphasis on the differences as well as the similarities between pre-twentieth terrorism and what we may expect to find in the twenty-first century. Analyzes the broad typologies of terrorist actions and perpetrators — noting the changes in recent years. Presents a brief profile of a contemporary terrorist — examining the “differences” between a person willing to commit a terrorist act, and an ordinary citizen — and provides a look at the trends in terrorist recruitment today. Assesses the tactics and targets chosen by terrorists today — with projections of trends for future security concerns, including examination of the attempts in the use of: Chemical and biological weapons. Nuclear weapons. Simple bombs of common materials. Examines the networking of terrorist groups and states — with special emphasis given to the impact of the end of the Cold War. Considers strategic planning, financing, and training and equipping. Examines the web of relationships and structures that link nations, groups and individual citizens in terrorist activitiesincluding: Narcoterrorism. State-supported terrorism. Offers a balanced assessment of national and international legal efforts to cope with international terrorism. Analyzes policy efforts taken by specific nations in dealing with terrorism. Evaluates the effectiveness of various special forces units. Offers case studies of certain events, nations, and individuals. Features paradigmatic analytical charts, illustrations, and analogies that bring into focus the more controversial aspects of the data. Contains a list of key concepts at the beginning of each chapter and emphasizes concepts highlighted within the text. Poses questions at the end of each chapter to challenge students to think critically about the concept and to apply them to controversial events.