Terrorism: Origins and Evolution

by James M. Lutz, Brenda J. Lutz

Terrorism is not a new phenomenon but has been present for over two thousand years. It has been used to advance ethnic, religious, and ideological goals; it has been used by dissidents and states to maintain control; it has been used at times as a means for attaining or maintaining power for its own sake. Terrorism has often appeared as a response to the intrusion of outside groups in established societies. This book places terrorism in a historical and analytical context. It is a comparison of terrorist groups over time, noting both similarities and differences. It will also contribute to discussions of the underlying causes of terrorism by providing a broader context than is usually attempted. It is important to put recent terrorist events in an appropriate context and to learn what history has to offer for dealing with this type of political violence.

232 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2005

Reviews

[Rhys · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is dense in the amount of case studies that it covers, though it doesn't particularly go into any with any real detail. It is a good starting point of counter-terrorism studies as it gives a broad starting point. I don't feel like there is a huge analytical method used throughout the book (no real conclusions outside that terrorism exists and will exist in the future), and it is quite conventional in its conception. It's useful, but not mind-blowing like some other reads.