The Faces of Terrorism

Social and Psychological Dimensions
Erscheinungsjahr 2010
ISBN: 978-0-691-14935-6
Verlag: Princeton University Press

Buch, Englisch, 285 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm, Gewicht: 447 g

Reihe: Science Essentials

Terrorism is the most clear and present danger we confront today, yet no phenomenon is more poorly understood by policymakers, the media, and the general public. The Faces of Terrorism is the first serious interdisciplinary examination of terrorism in all its facets. What gives rise to it, who are its proponents and how do they think, and how--and why--does it work? Neil Smelser begins by tackling the fundamental problem of defining what exactly terrorism is. He shows why a precise definition has eluded us until now, and he proposes one that takes into account the full complexities of this unconventional and politically charged brand of violence. He explores the root causes and conditions of terrorism, and examines the ideologies that inspire and fuel it throughout the world. Smelser looks closely at the terrorists themselves--their recruitment, their motivations, the groups they form, their intended audiences, and their uses of the media in pursuing their agendas. He studies the target societies as well, unraveling the complicated social and psychological impacts of having to cope with the ever-present threat of a terrorist strike--and responding when one occurs. He explains what it means to live under constant threat of terrorism, and addresses the thorny domestic and foreign policy challenges this poses. Throughout, Smelser draws from the latest findings in sociology, political science, anthropology, economics, psychology, psychiatry, and history. The Faces of Terrorism provides the breadth of scope necessary to understand--and ultimately eliminate--this most pressing global threat.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Smelser, Neil J.

Fachgebiete

• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften Interdisziplinär Friedens- und Konfliktforschung
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften Interdisziplinär Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Gewalt Terrorismus, Religiöser Fundamentalismus
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Internationale Beziehungen Konflikt- und Friedensforschung, Rüstungskontrolle, Abrüstung
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziale Gruppen/Soziale Themen Gewalt und Diskriminierung: Soziale Aspekte

Inhaltsverzeichnis

PART I: INTRODUCTION 1

CHAPTER 1: The Paradoxes of Terrorism 3

PART II: CAUSES AND DYNAMICS 9

CHAPTER 2: Conditions and Causes of Terrorism 11

CHAPTER 3: Ideological Bases of Terrorist Behavior 54

CHAPTER 4: Motivation, Social Origins, Recruitment, Groups, Audiences, and the Media in the Terrorism Process 90

PART III: CONSEQUENCES AND CONTROL 121

CHAPTER 5: Anticipating, Experiencing, and Responding to Terrorist Attacks 123

CHAPTER 6: Discouraging Terrorism 160

CHAPTER 7: The Long-Term International Context of Terrorism 200

APPENDIX: The Infernal Problems of Definition and Designation 229

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 251

REFERENCES 253

INDEX 273

Über Autor(innen)

Smelser, Neil J.
Neil J. Smelser is university professor of sociology emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley. His many books include "Social Change in the Industrial Revolution, Problematics of Sociology", and "Social Paralysis and Social Change".