What is terrorism and where does it come from? Who are the people who perpetrate terror? What are their motives? This accessible account of the concept of terrorism provides a global guide to understanding what the threat is and exactly where it comes from. Without this knowledge, argues David Whittaker, there can be no way forward in prevention and control. The book looks in particular at how terrorism has shaped and been shaped by the past half century, the driving forces behind it, the methods, the psychology and the money.

Suitable for undergraduate students taking courses on terrorism, war and peace studies, national security and international relations.

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1 The meaning of terrorism

2 New York and Washington, Madrid, London

3 Terrorism around the world

4 Motives for terrorism

5 Terrorism and religion

6 Fanatics and martyrs

7 Terrorist methods

8 Future types of terrorism

9 Counter-terrorism: the piecemeal approach

10 Terrorism: international efforts to defeat it

Where to find out more

Index

David J. Whittaker is a retired university lecturer and prolific author. His recent titles include Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the Contemporary World (2005), The Terrorism Reader (2002), and Conflict and Reconciliation in the Contemporary World (1999).