The No-Nonsense Guide to Terrorism

No-Nonsense Guides

by Jonathan Barker

Since the events of September 11, 2001, the uses of the word terrorism seem to have multiplied, and it has never been clearer that one person’s terrorist is another’s freedom fighter. The No-Nonsense Guide to Terrorism looks at debates about September 11 and the responses to it, but also analyses the causes and contexts of terrorism the world over. Jonathan Barker provides a highly accessible historical sketch of terrorism, looking at core examples from the Middle East, instances of state terrorism, and the existence of a terrorist fringe to political movements such as anti-apartheid. He guides readers through the moral and political theories justifying and guiding terrorist acts and draws attention to the battle of images and ideas that accompanies them. The book moves away from moral judgements, demonstrating how social analysts and psychologists view the dynamics of terrorism. Furthermore it examines the consequences of terrorist acts for popular politics.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Peter Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for introduction, the mentioned sources are better. Please, note this was written some time ago.

[Aaron Dellutri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed and appreciated this book. It is an excellently-researched, balanced, objective, and easy-to-read primer to this incredibly emotional subject. Barker makes it his mission to describe all aspects of the phenomenon that we call 'terrorism', and he shines a light into every possible side. Only a beginning to the study of this incredibly complex subject, but an excellent beginning.

[Gemma Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the new Internationalist guides. An interesting look at some of the issues surrounding both group and state terrorism - could have been written in a bit a livelier style. it was a bit dry, and obviously couldn't cover the whole subject in proper depth. A brave attempt, but the writer bit off a bit more than he could chew. Still, to be fair, he's not claiming to be Chomsky.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book, full of scripts to use when speaking to people. It is well-worth reading, and it would be even better in a small paperback edition. The current Goodreads title is incorrect: the actual title is listed on the picture of the cover.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent title in the New Internationalist's No Nonsense series. A timely read post-Charlie Hebdo, even though it was first published in 2003.I've recently re-read this title after first reading it shortly after it was published.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative book. Should be required reading for all current and potential politicians.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well balanced and objective book. Easy to read. Recommended.