Terrorism Versus Democracy: The Liberal State Response

by Paul Wilkinson

'No one understands terrorism better than Paul Wilkinson...if policy makers read this book they will understand the problems better. If terrorists read it they will understand themselves a lot better.' - Michael Clarke, King’s College London, University of London, UK This acclaimed study examines both the new terror networks and those that have been around for decades. This new edition brings it up-to-date with the dramatic opening of the twenty-first century, with new chapters on the 9/11 attacks, the growth of international terrorism, the Al Qaeda network and the War on Terror. This text provides us with some much needed criteria for distinguishing between terrorists and freedom fighters and an explanation of the uses of terrorism as a political, social, religious and criminal weapon. Wilkinson also links the use of terrorism to a wider repertoire of struggle. He proposes a variety of possible counter-measures and valuable principles carefully distilled from the recent past to help design a response that is compatible with democratic principles, the rule of law and respect for human rights. This book is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students of terrorism studies, political science and international relations, as well as for policy makers and journalists.

Genres: Politics, Terrorism

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2000

About the author

Paul Wilkinson was a terrorism expert and an Emeritus Professor of International Relations and Director of the University of St Andrews Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV).

Dubbed "Britain's leading academic specialist in the study of terrorism", he was a frequent commentator in mainstream British media and an advisor to the UK government.

Reviews

[Eugenia Montiel Aceti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read some of the chapters of this book in order to write an undergraduate university paper.

[Pj Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book if you're interested in studying terrorism and how Democracies handle said issue. However, much like a wikipedia page, this book should be used as a general, albeit very thorough starting point that allows you to pick an avenue to further explore.

I found it highly useful, albeit somewhat repetitive.

[Ashwath · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very decent book on terrorism. Well written and is simple. But it feels more introductory. Would definitely recommend people who are new to terrorism studies to read this.