This book provides a convenient, single source for all citizens concerned about political terrorism who want to accurately understand both the nature of terrorism as a socio-political phenomenon and the major threats, trends, and conundrums posed by terrorism, including:
I. Terrorism in America
II. Nuclear, biological and chemical terrorism
III. The Internet as a terrorist medium
IV. The psychology of suicide bombers
V. The sociological nature of terrorist groups, organizations, and networks
VI. Governmental counter-terrorism policy
VII. The conflict between security and freedom in a terrorist environment
VIII. Jihad and other Islamic militant cultures and philosophies
IX. Posttraumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric reactions to terrorism
Since September 11, 2001—from the moment suicidal Islamic militants rammed hijacked passenger planes into the World Trade Center twin towers and the Pentagon—America has been in a costly “war against terrorism” that seemingly has no end. And most citizens have been preoccupied with uncertainty, fear, and a flood of new questions that have altered their perceptions of self, current behaviors, and future plans. Among the questions of great concern are: How widespread is political terrorism and will we be attacked again in the near future? Can we combat terrorism without losing our democratic freedoms? What can we do to defend ourselves against biological, chemical and nuclear terrorism? Is there anything governments can really do to win the war on terrorism, or is this insidious form of violence here to stay, a constant feature of our world in the 21st century?
The answers to these and related questions are presented in this rich collection of articles by leading thinkers in political science, sociology, psychology, and the health sciences. We believe the answers will be of interest and value not only to students of political terrorism, professional politicians, public health professionals, and military personnel, but to everyone concerned about the threats unleashed by political terrorism and the safeguarding of our democratic institutions.
Harvey W. Kushner, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized author, government consultant, and spokesperson on political terrorism. His latest books include Terrorism in America, The Future of Terrorism, and the Encyclopedia of Terrorism. He also edits an annual issue on terrorism for the American Behavioral Scientist. Kushner received his doctoral degree in political science from New York University, and is currently professor and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Security Administration at Long Island University.
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