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Terror and Consent : The Battle for the Twenty-first Century
An urgent reconceptualization of the Wars on Terror from the author of The Shield of Achilles (“magisterial”— The New York Times, “a classic for future generations”—The New York Review of Books). In this book Philip Bobbitt brings together historical, legal, and strategic analyses to understand the idea of a “war on terror.” Does it make sense? What are its historical ante...more
Hardcover, 624 pages
Published
April 1st 2008
by Knopf
(first published April 30th 1987)
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Philip Bobbitt will never write an easy book.
In his previous work, "Shield of Achilles," Bobbitt traces the evolution of the state by looking at how the intersection of strategy and law evolved over the past 500 years. He takes the next leap in "Terror and Consent," focusing on the relationship between terrorism and the state and the need for states to create new law to help battle terrorism.
"Terror and Consent" takes its title from Bobbitt's perception that in the era of the emerging market s...more
In his previous work, "Shield of Achilles," Bobbitt traces the evolution of the state by looking at how the intersection of strategy and law evolved over the past 500 years. He takes the next leap in "Terror and Consent," focusing on the relationship between terrorism and the state and the need for states to create new law to help battle terrorism.
"Terror and Consent" takes its title from Bobbitt's perception that in the era of the emerging market s...more
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The book is written in academic prose and is definitely not easy reading. The crux of the book is that the nature of states is changing from the ‘nation state’ (which emphasizes material well being for the nation) to what the author describes as ‘market states’ (which emphasizes opportunities for the people). The current regime has artificial distinctions which impact among other things management of threats/ persons/ intelligence depending on whether they are external/ internal to the country....more
Jan 23, 2011
Christy
marked it as to-read
Oliver DeMille says this about this book and I wanted to remember it for when I read it.
"Bobbitt goes on to discuss the danger that in responding to the terrorist threat we are in danger of adopting the belief that "the ends justify the means." He discusses both sides of this idea, and suggests that we are fighting for the rule of law and had better be sure that this fight doesn't compromise our ability to defend ourselves.
This is bigger than most people consider, and the easy answers aren't g...more
"Bobbitt goes on to discuss the danger that in responding to the terrorist threat we are in danger of adopting the belief that "the ends justify the means." He discusses both sides of this idea, and suggests that we are fighting for the rule of law and had better be sure that this fight doesn't compromise our ability to defend ourselves.
This is bigger than most people consider, and the easy answers aren't g...more
A bit of a difficult read at times, but worth the effort for anyone interested in the subject. Bobbitt's well-reasoned analysis of how nation-states and terrorism have evolved, without the corresponding changes to our institutions and laws necessary to more effectively combat terrorism, is one that transcends political partisanship--in fact, as he acknowledges at the end of the book, there is something there to offend almost every consituency. But the things he says need to be heard, especially...more
If you’ve wondered in recent years whether it makes sense to talk about a “war on terror,” you’ve grappled with one of the questions this book addresses. Over the course of 548 pages of text (accompanied by roughly 100 pages of notes), Philip Bobbitt argues that the nature of nations is changing, the nature of warfare is changing, and the nature of terrorism is changing; as a result, he proposes, after some careful examination (everything in the book is carefully examined), that we can speak of...more
I started writing this post last year and couldn't find an adequate way to finish it. I just couldn't consolidate my thoughts enough to put it together and show how impressed I was by the ideas presented in it. Since then, as I have watched the changes and discussions taking place in the U.S. and in Europe, I have been even more impressed. I would highly recommend it for anyone who would like some insight into recent political and economic events and also the increasingly bitter and polarizing d...more
I actually stopped reading this because it was due at the library, and since there is a waiting list I couldn't renew it. It worked as a convenient excuse, however because this dense and serious of a policy book was not meant for summer reading -- I'm gladly moving on to "Death Note: vol.4" as a follow up.
I made it about 1/2 way through, and did enjoy it -- I don't read a lot of hard-core poli-wonk policy books, and the fact that Bobbitt is rather conservative when it comes to economics (very li...more
I made it about 1/2 way through, and did enjoy it -- I don't read a lot of hard-core poli-wonk policy books, and the fact that Bobbitt is rather conservative when it comes to economics (very li...more
Bobbitt's writing ability is the best I've come across in political science or law, and this book was a pleasure to read. However, he over-reaches with his broad, all-encompassing conclusions about terrorism and law.
He makes a good case for a series of policy measures (more information-sharing between intelligence agencies; a league of democracies; following the rule of law during wartime; treating terrorism as a military as opposed to criminal threat), but they are overshadowed by such claims...more
He makes a good case for a series of policy measures (more information-sharing between intelligence agencies; a league of democracies; following the rule of law during wartime; treating terrorism as a military as opposed to criminal threat), but they are overshadowed by such claims...more
Presents an historical and theoretical framework for understanding the national security and constitutional challenges of terrorism. Panoramic in scope, brimming with keenly observed details. No reader will be persuaded on every point, but no reader will ever think about these issues in the same way again. It deserves wide readership. - Thomas J. Miles
Great book that dives into the question, "What is Terror?" It is truly a work of Academia which is something I wasn't looking for yet enjoyed. I had trouble putting it down. I can honestly say I don't agree or fully understand every aspect of Bobbitt's train of thought but a fascinating read nonetheless. Not only does this book speak of acts of terror, but the ideas of terror and the modern day idea of what terror is and should be.
Mar 22, 2012
Sarah
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2012-reading-challenge,
non-fiction
An important book examining the challenges of dealing with 21st century terrorism within the contraints of contemporary understandings of nation states, international law and warfare.
Bobbitt offers some insightful analysis and attempts to address the interrelationship between the changing constitutional order and terrorism. I found the analysis of the evolution of the constitutional order of states, our understandings of warfare and the nature of terror and terrorism compelling, but the project...more
Bobbitt offers some insightful analysis and attempts to address the interrelationship between the changing constitutional order and terrorism. I found the analysis of the evolution of the constitutional order of states, our understandings of warfare and the nature of terror and terrorism compelling, but the project...more
It is not 'Shield of Achilles,' but it is still very good. My favorite part was in the beginning where he recounts how states have dealt with terrorism over the past 500 years. This section is a kind of recapitulation of 'Shield' from a different perspective.
This is a new book about how we should deal with the war on Terror. It is very long, and, although it shows signs of serious editing, not a fast read. It's worth sticking with it, though. The author has an integrated set of ideas about what we must do to protect ourselves and others against terror. His ideas make a lot of sense, but unfortunately they will require initiative, action and trust, not only by our government but on the part of other countries. He makes a persuasive case that we can...more
A terrific outline of the history of terrorism, how it has existed for centuries and has evolved to fit each subsequent age, and how we have to evolve now to hold it at bay in our own time.
as per usual Philip Bobbet uses too many words, but he in my opinion is basically correct an interesting if not long winded book , but well worth a read
Bobbitt is surprising and his book is surprisingly nuanced. From any end of the political spectrum, there's much to agree on in this book. Many of the things you think you'll want to disagree with in this book (e.g., that a war on terror exists and may be a good thing) you may end up finding yourself compelled by, at least a bit. Ultimately it's nice to read a book laced with poetry and drama, relishing in intellectual history, and trying to wrap a temporary dilemma into a larger discourse about...more
Feb 12, 2009
Timothy
is currently reading it
Difinitive work on the current problems posed by the 21st century wars on terror...Grand strategy at its finest.
Makes you feel that you need a federal agent in your room to watch over you when you sleep!!!
Jan 17, 2010
Bdesmond Desmond
added it
Terror and Consent : The Wars for the Twenty-First Century by Philip Bobbitt (2008)
as an account of the facts of modern terrorism and the difficulties of the current legal/judicial/governmental mechanisms for dealing with terrorism, its a great success. as a blueprint for how to deal with the complexities of this ongoing threat, its highly unpersuasive. much of bobbitt's argument is based on observations on the evolution of states which he then projects into the future and routinely asserts how the future will in fact evolve on the basis of his model, with at best limited just...more
Mar 26, 2011
Steven
added it
Excellent book.
From the NYTimes Boo Review: this is quite simply the most profound book to have been written on the subject of American foreign policy since the attaacks of 9/11--indeed since the end of the cold war.
A pleasurable but unfortunately muddied application of his theory from "The Shield of Achilles."
Tough going at times, especially since I much prefer to read fiction, but very worthwhile.
This book is dense.
Jun 17, 2013
Josh Stephani
marked it as to-read
Jun 14, 2013
Claire
is currently reading it
Jun 11, 2013
Jared Hall
marked it as to-read
Jun 10, 2013
Audrey
marked it as to-read
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