The Terrorism Reader is an intriguing introduction to a notorious and disturbing international phenomenon. The book draws together material from a variety of experts and clearly explains their opinions on terrorism, allowing understanding, conjecture and debate.

David J. Whittaker explores all aspects of terrorism from its definition, psychological and sociological effects, legal and ethical issues to counter-terrorism. In a particularly original way, the Reader illustrates the growth and variety of terrorism with a series of case studies from four continents including:
the Taliban and the al-Qaida terror network, and America's war against terrorism ETA and Spain the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia the Liberation Tigers in Sri Lanka the IRA and UFF in Northern Ireland the Shining Path in Peru.

This new edition includes fully updated chapters on Palestine and Israel, the London 7/7 bombings and a a new chapter on Jihad, as well as a focus on issues of contemporary concern such as state terrorism, terrorist withdrawal and deradicalisation, and human rights.

Reviews

‘A comprehensive, nuanced survey of international terrorism … the Reader has both a better sense of the complexity of terrorism as an international phenomenon and … the distinctiveness of the historical and political conditions’ – Athan Theoharis, Marquette University

‘One of the book’s strengths is its ability to see beyond particular conflicts to analogies across the world, including chapters in Libya, Sri Lanka, Algeria and Italy’ – The Australian Jewish News

Contents

Preface. Acknowledgements Part 1: Characteristics of Terrorism 1. Definition of Terrorism 2. Motivation for Terrorism 3. Terrorism’s World-Wide Occurrence Part 2: Fifteen Terrorism Case Studies 1. Jihad: Mission and Campaigning 2. United States: Ground Zero 3. Britain: London as Target 4. Israel 5. Lebanon 6. Libya 7. Sri Lanka 8. Spain 9. Noreland 10. Algeria 11. Peru 12. Colombia 13. Germany 14. Italy 15. South Africa 16. Fifteen Terrorism Case Studies: Conclusion Part 3: Prevention and Control of Terrorism 1. Counter-Terrorism: Strategies and Programs 2. Terrorism and the Law 3. Terrorism: Some Ethnical Issues. Notes. Guide to Further Reading