Global Terrorism

by James M. Lutz, Brenda J. Lutz

Global Terrorism 2nd edition continues to provide students with the most comprehensive introduction to terrorism as a global phenomenon. It introduces students to history, politics, ideologies and strategies of both contemporary and older terrorist groups.

Written in a clear and accessible style, each chapter explains a different aspect of terrorism and illustrates this with a wide variety of detailed case studies from across the world. Although the focus is on the contemporary, the book also includes discussion of older terrorist groups.

Building on the strengths of the first edition, this edition includes new material on:





July 7 attacks in London Bali bombings domestic terrorism in Columbia attacks in Iraq Al Qaeda, the Tamil Tigers, the IRA animal rights extremism


The unique combination of a genuinely historical focus and truly global coverage makes this an ideal introductory textbook for anyone studying terrorism.

Genres: Terrorism, Politics, International Relations

ebook

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Coan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Global Terrorism is an excellent starter text book for anyone wishing to learn about the history, causes, methodology, responses and players involved in terrorism (both in the past and today).

Filled with case studies, you'll learn both how simple terrorist acts can be but also the geopolitical, racial, religious and idealogical complexities that sit behind it. The book is broad in its depictions of terrorism by including other bases of terrorism beyond the religious focus that is today's most often referred to cause. This is a good approach as terrorism has so much more history and nuance that requires thought to really understand it.

As mentioned, I call this a 'starter' text book. You'll get a good understanding of terrorism but particular aspects you might want to know more about will require additional reading (such as any particular case of terrorism or legal frameworks for handling it). That said, this doesn't detract from the book.

An honest, but disturbing truth, I found reading this book is that in some cases it is evident that terrorism clearly works. The book goes into details by its case studies of where and how it has worked but generally it is through a protracted series of terrorist incidents rather than through any one off incident. However, it is also clear that it doesn't always work (and the book explains base theory on reactions to mitigate terrorism -noting you can never truly 'stop' it from ever occurring).

If you've ever wanted to learn about this subject and even a little about world history/international relations, I think you'll enjoy this book. But please keep in mind, it is very much a text book style approach to learning. I certainly found some chapters more interesting than others (the book does go into rather a lot of detail of different causes of terrorism that I think could have been merged -particularly left/right wing ideologies which I don't think needed separate chapters). The language is simple to understand and I think the subject matter is worth discussing with others after you read it.

3.5 out of 5.

[Peter Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

THis was a core reader for uni and it made the difference between me doing alright and the solid high distinction that i eventually achieved.
Worth it buy it.