3 Review(s)

The horror of the events of September 11, 2001, remains indelible. This book provides a much-needed examination of the attacks on the World Trade Center that links them to, while distinguishing them from, the breadth of more traditional forms of terrorism that have tormented the world since the Cold War and before. The author identifies what is profoundly new and different about this form of terrorism -- its global reach and its adoption by hidden, globally situated non-state actors relying on the methods of mega-terrorism (the use of weapons of mass destruction, genocidal intent, and suicidal warriors). Falk simultaneously relies upon and criticizes the discourse of the "war on terrorism" as a means of responding to current and preventing future terror attacks. After outlining a comprehensive historical framework, he goes on to provide new insights into the entire range of issues that must be addressed if terrorism is indeed to be eradicated: from strengthening international legal tribunals with powerful enforcement capabilities; to changing US policies that result in political marginalization and unimaginable poverty and suffering around the world.