This book examines the terrorist networks that operate globally and analyses the long-term future of terrorism and terrorist-backed insurgencies.
Terrorism remains a serious problem for the international community. The global picture does not indicate that the ‘war on terror’, which President George W. Bush declared in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, has been won. On the other hand it would be incorrect to assume that Al Qaeda, its affiliates and other jihadi groups have won their so-called ‘holy war’ against the Coalition against Terrorism formed after 9/11.
This new edition gives more attention to the political and strategic impact of modern transnational terrorism, the need for maximum international cooperation by law-abiding states to counter not only direct threats to the safety and security of their own citizens but also to preserve international peace and security through strengthening counter-proliferation and cooperative threat reduction (CTR).
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.
Preface. Glossary of Terrorist Groups. Introduction to Revised Edition 1. Terrorism, Insurgency and Asymmetrical Conflict 2. The Emergence of Modern Terrorism 3. Origins and Key Characteristics of Al Qaeda 4. Terrorist Backed Insurgencies 5. Politics, Diplomacy and Peace Processes: Pathways out of Terrorism? 6. Law-Enforcement, Criminal Justice and the Liberal State 7. The Role of the Military in Combating Terrorism 8. Hostage-Taking, Sieges and Problems of Response 9. Aviation Security 10. The Media and Terrorism 11. International Cooperation Against Terrorism 12. The Future of Terrorism 13. Conclusion. Further Reading and Bibliography
Biography
Paul Wilkinson is Emeritus Professor of International Relations and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV) at the University of St Andrews. He is author of several books on terrorism issues and was co-founder of the leading international journal, Terrorism and Political Violence.
'Paul Wilkinson has been saying challenging things about terrorism and the liberal state for over thirty years. In the era of the so-called "war on terror" his perspective on the subject is more important than ever. This book deserves to be widely read: its message on the need for respect for human rights is a vital one in these security-oriented days.' - Professor Conor Gearty, Rausing Director, Centre for the Study of Human Rights, LSE
'From one of the founding fathers of terrorism studies, an urgent and necessary reminder of that which we must hold dear in combating all forms of terrorism. Paul Wilkinson understands the vital lessons to be learned from responding to terrorism, and this updated edition of his landmark book is absolutely essential reading.' - Dr John Horgan, University of St Andrews
‘This is a well-argued, balanced book on a subject where sound judgement is often lacking. Professor Wilkinson, one of the leading authorities on the subject of terrorism, discusses both the terrorist threat and the appropriateness of military, legal and diplomatic responses with clarity and persuasion. This book is an important addition to the literature on terrorism and deserves to be widely read.’ -Dr Alex Schmid, Terrorism Research Initiative, Vienna
Wilkinson's second edition is not just an eloquently written and challenging read, it is also a comprehensive resource on Global Terrorism. - Romeike
'...an exceptionally impressive book'- Aaron Edwards, Political Studies Review
'Readers will benefit greatly from [Wilkinson's] deep expertise on terrorism... Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels.'-J. S. Holmes, CHOICE (February 2012)
