Terrorism and counterterrorism studies: comparing theory and practice

Terrorism has arguably been one of the defining factors of our age. In many parts of the world, it has been one of the most important threats to peace, security and stability. But what does this exactly mean? What is the nature of this threat? What can be done about it or how can we at least limit the impact of terrorism? These are just a handful of questions that will be addressed in this book that consists of three parts. First it focuses on the essence of terrorism as an instrument to achieve certain goals and the difficulties in defining it. The second part provides an overview of the state of (counter)terrorism studies

Cover -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- List of boxes and figures -- Preface -- About the author -- Acknowledgements -- 1 Definition and nature of terrorism -- 1.1 Introduction -- 1.2 A worldwide phenomenon -- 1.3 A primary threat to security? -- 1.4 The use of the term terrorism -- 1.5 Why is there no generally accepted definition? -- 1.6 The need for a definition -- 1.7 Definition attempts -- 1.8 Conclusion -- Bibliography -- 2 History of terrorism: a constantly changing phenomenon -- 2.1 Introduction -- 2.2 The first wave of terrorism: the "Anarchist Wave" -- 2.3 The second wave of terrorism: the "Anti-colonial Wave" -- 2.4 The third wave of terrorism: the "New Left Wave" -- 2.5 The fourth wave of terrorism: the "Religious Wave" ' -- 2.6 A fifth wave of terrorism? -- 2.7 Conclusion -- Bibliography -- 3 Terrorism studies -- 3.1 Introduction -- 3.2 The history of terrorism studies -- 3.3 Disciplines and approaches -- 3.4 Key authors and centers -- 3.5 Challenges and dilemmas -- 3.6 The current state of the art -- 3.7 Conclusion -- Bibliography -- 4 Assumptions about terrorism -- 4.1 Introduction -- 4.2 Assumption one: Terrorism is caused by poverty -- 4.3 Assumption two: Terrorists are crazy -- 4.4 Assumption three: Terrorism is increasingly lethal -- 4.5 Assumption four: today's terrorism is predominantly anti-Western -- 4.6 Assumption five: Terrorism is successful -- Bibliography -- 5 Assumptions about counterterrorism -- 5.1 Introduction -- 5.2 Assumption one: One can recognize a terrorist -- 5.3 Assumption two: De-radicalization of terrorists is possible -- 5.4 Assumption three: Decapitation of terrorist organizations works -- 5.5 Assumption four: Terrorism cannot be defeated -- 5.6 Terrorism can best be dealt with by way of a holistic or wide approach -- Bibliography -- 6 Future research topics in terrorism studies -- 6.1 Introduction.