The Terrorism Reader

Routledge Readers in History

by David J. Whittaker (editor)

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: 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Terrorism

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2001

About the author

Not to be confused with David J. Whittaker, the LDS (Mormon) historian.

Reviews

[Victor Hardjono · Rating 4 out of 5]

You want to know more why Osama is Osama? Why groups like Baader-Meinhopf, Red Brigade and Sendero Luminoso killed (innocent) people?

Read this book. It's (to me) the gateway to understand the existence of contemporary terrorism. Nicely arranged and compiled making even those with limited knowledge on politics can still grasp the main discourse.

[sologdin · Rating 2 out of 5]

a mess conceptually, i think, because of the inclusion of tyrannicide as part of the early sections. difficult to imagine harmodius & aristogeiton as 'terrorists,' but there it is. perhaps it should serve as a reminder that 'terrorism' is simply the state's official designation of improper violence.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The complexity and misuse of the topic are hammered away at in the first chapter. Once the histories and descriptions of real groups begins, the reader gains some serious knowledge and backgrounds on a lot of names that still make headlines to this day.

[Kiri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man this guy waffles on; I would read a paragraph, read it again, and still have no idea what point he was trying to put across. Fortunately he includes large excerpts of work from other writers, so you don't have to read too much of his own actual work.

[Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

Review at http://znovels.blogspot.com/2011/03/t...