Overview

Contemporary Debates on Terrorism is an innovative new textbook, addressing a number of key issues in contemporary terrorism studies from both 'traditional' and 'critical' perspectives. In recent years the terrorism studies field has grown significantly, with an increasing number of scholars beginning to debate the complex dynamics underlying this category of violence. Within the broader field, there are many identifiable controversies and issues which divide scholarly opinion, a number of which are discussed in this text: Theoretical issues, such as the definition of terrorism and state terrorism; Substantive issues, including the threat posed by al Qaeda and the utility of different responses to terrorism; Ethical issues, encompassing the torture of terrorist suspects and targeted assassination The format of the volume involves a leading scholar taking a particular position on the controversy, followed by an opposing or alternative viewpoint written by another contributor. In addition to the pedagogic value of allowing students to read opposing arguments in one place, the volume will also be important for providing an overview of the state of the field and its key lines of debate. Contemporary Debates on Terrorism will be essential reading for all students of terrorism and political violence, critical terrorism studies, critical security studies, security studies and IR in general.

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9780415591164

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Reviews

'Few topics have stimulated as much public debate as contemporary terrorism. What, if anything, does the word itself mean? Where did it come from? How serious a threat does it pose, and to whom? What are the best means for stopping it or at least mitigating its effects? Jackson and Sinclair have assembled an outstanding group of scholars who debate the answers to these and other questions in a way that provides readers with clear understandings of both the complexity of the problems involved and alternative ways of solving them.' -- Leonard Weinberg, University of Nevada

'Few topics have stimulated as much public debate as contemporary terrorism. What, if anything, does the word itself mean? Where did it come from? How serious a threat does it pose, and to whom? What are the best means for stopping it or at least mitigating its effects? Jackson and Sinclair have assembled an outstanding group of scholars who debate the answers to these and other questions in a way that provides readers with clear understandings of both the complexity of the problems involved and alternative ways of solving them.' -- Leonard Weinberg, University of Nevada This is a comprehensive, thought-provoking and fascinating volume. It provides the reader with conflicting views on terrorism and terrorism related phenomena. The authors are prominent scholars who offer fascinating arguments in a lucid style. This is the kind of scholarship that every individual who has an interest in terrorism should follow - Professor Ami Pedahzur, University of Texas at Austin, USA

Author Information

Richard Jackson is Professor in International Politics, Aberystwyth University. He is the Founding Editor of the Routledge journal Critical Studies on Terrorism, the convenor of the British International Studies Association (BISA) Critical Studies on Terrorism Working Group (CSTWG), and Editor of the Routledge Critical Terrorism Studies book series. He is the author/editor of four books on terrorism and conflict issues. Samuel Justin Sinclair is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, and Director of Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital's Psychological Evaluation and Research Laboratory (The PEaRL). He is also Founder and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the peer-refereed journal Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression. He is the author/editor of two books.

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