Debating Terrorism and Counterterrorism - Conflicting Perspectives on Causes, Contexts, and Responses

A debate-style text designed to promote critical thinking on terrorism and counterterrorism in international politics and homeland security.

List of contents

Foreword
About the Editor
Contributors
Preface
Acknowledgments
PART I: DEBATING TERRORISM
Chapter 1: Is the "New Terrorism" Really New?
NO: The "new terrorism" linked with the emergence of al-Qaeda is not so new.
Alexander Spencer
YES: Al-Qaeda sparked an entirely "new" type of terrorism.
Rohan Gunaratna
Chapter 2: Does Poverty Serve as a Root Cause of Terrorism?
NO: Poverty is a weak causal link.
James A. Piazza
YES: Poverty is an important adjacent cause.
Karin von Hippel
Chapter 3: Can Terrorism Ever Be Justified?
NO: Terrorist violence is never justified.
Tamar Meisels
YES: Terrorists offer clear justifications for their violence.
Julie Norman
Chapter 4: Is Far-Right Terrorism a Greater Threat than Islamist Militancy?
YES: Far-right extremism has surpassed militant jihadism as a primary terrorism concern.
Mitch Silber
NO: Islamist militancy remains the number-one terror threat.
Lorenzo Vidino
Chapter 5: Is Suicide Terrorism an Effective Tactic?
YES: Suicide terrorism is a pragmatic choice.
Gordon McCormick
NO: Suicide terrorism is a political failure.
Max Abrahms
Chapter 6: Is Nuclear Terrorism a Real Threat?
YES: The threat is very real.
Stephen Flynn & Jessica Stern
NO: The threat is overblown.
Susan Martin
PART II: DEBATING COUNTERTERRORISM
Chapter 7: Counterterrorism Strategies: Do We Need Bombs Over Bridges?
NO: There is a need to focus more on non-military solutions.
Brigitte Nacos
YES:More creative military strategies are needed.
Michael Rubin
Chapter 8: Can Spreading Democracy Help Defeat Terrorism?
NO: Democracy promotion is problematic as a counterterrorism priority.
F. Gregory Gause III
YES: Promoting democracy can help combat terrorism.
Danielle Pletka
Chapter 9: Can International Organizations Make a Difference in Fighting Terrorism?
NO: International organizations are limited in their ability to combat terrorism.
Zachary Shirkey
YES: International organizations are necessary for fighting international terrorism.
Bruce Cronin
Chapter 10: Are Armed Drones an Effective Tool in Combating Terrorism?
NO: Drones represent a failed counterterrorism approach.
Audrey Kurth Cronin
YES: Drones are a critical hi-tech tool in combating globalized terror movements.
Asfandyar Mir
Chapter 11: Counterterrorism and the Constitution: Does Providing Security Require a Trade-Off with Civil Liberties?
YES: The United States needs to reasonably limit civil liberties and bolster executive powers.
John Yoo
NO: Respecting civil liberties and preventing executive overreach are critical to preserving America's security and its ideals.
David Cole
Chapter 12: Conclusions: Is the Threat of Terrorism Overblown?
YES: The threat of terrorism is overblown and more manageable than suspected.
John Mueller
NO: The threat is profound and will remain so for some time.
Walter Laqueur
Notes
Index

About the author

Edited by Stuart Gottlieb

Product details

• Authors: Stuart Gottlieb
• Assisted by: Stuart Gottlieb (Editor), Gottlieb Stuart (Editor)
• Publisher: Rowman and Littlefield
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 15.04.2025
• EAN: 9781538189481
• ISBN: 978-1-5381-8948-1
• No. of pages: 450
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; HISTORY / Military / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Terrorism, Warfare & defence, Terrorism, armed struggle, Warfare and defence