Understanding Terrorism: Challenges, Perspectives, and Issues

-- Frank Hagan, Mercyhurst College

The study of terrorism requires a review of the events, ideas, motivations, and histories that result in terrorist acts, as well as an examination of the theories that help explain this volatile behavior. Understanding Terrorism: Challenges, Perspectives, and Issues is a dynamic textbook for students who wish to explore the phenomenon of terrorism past and present. The text begins with a conceptual overview of terrorism, progresses to a focused discussion of the terrorists, investigates the nuances of the terrorist trade, and concludes with a final analysis of modern terrorism.

Understanding Terrorism is a primary source of information about terrorist typologies, the cause of terrorist violence, and responses to terrorism. The content emphasizes key perspectives and identifies critical issues, which also makes it an excellent resource for developing critical thinking on the subject. Accessibly written, each chapter has historical examples, case studies, discussion boxes, and Web exercises.

• Comprehensive yet Accessible. The text is written in an engaging style and includes appendixes that present focused information, including a chronology of historical events, a complete glossary, recommended Web sites and a list of relevant documentaries and dramatic films.
• Compelling. Cases in Point provide a "reality check" for important theoretical concepts discussed in the chapter and Perspectives are boxed topics of special interest for students.
• Stimulating. Discussion boxes present provocative information and pose challenging questions to promote critical thinking and further debate.
• Interactive. Web exercises are included for students and instructors to explore and discuss information found on the Internet.

Recommended for undergraduate and graduate students taking terrorism courses in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, political science, and public administration.