Description
Book SynopsisA Modern History of Maritime Terrorism: From the Fenian Ram to Explosive-Laden Drone Boats is a comprehensive and insightful examination of the evolution of maritime terrorism in the modern era. Navigating the past, present and future of maritime terrorism, Peter Lehr outlines its history and definitions, its current manifestations, locations and actors, and its possible future trajectories.
Structured in three key parts, this book takes a critical and historical approach to the study of maritime terrorism. Focussing on the terrorist actors’ perspectives, chapters investigate existing academic literature, official reports, newspaper articles and the actors’ own descriptions of their acts of terrorism. Lehr considers the motivations and expectations behind why terrorists take terrorism to the sea; the weapons and tactics used to do so; where they struck, and against what; and ultimately what they achieved. Considering the lessons learned from the history of maritime terrorism, the book concludes with an examination of the near-future trajectories it could take.
A vivid and detailed account of the various forms of maritime terrorism that have emerged in the last century, this topical book will be invaluable to students and scholars of international relations, terrorism and security studies, and maritime politics and policy. Its comparative analysis of the patterns in the actors, locations and tactics in maritime terrorism will prove useful to practitioners seeking to plan and execute counter-terrorism operations.
Trade Review‘Peter Lehr has produced an outstanding book on the history of maritime terrorism. By providing historical insights about our understanding of maritime terrorism with an in-depth analysis of highly interesting contemporary case studies, the book makes a substantial contribution to our understanding of both the historical and empirical dynamics of the phenomenon. Indeed, this is an excellent book which provides a very interesting and compelling analysis of an important and largely under-researched topic.’ -- Christian Kaunert, Dublin City University, Ireland and University of South Wales, UK
‘Peter Lehr’s A Modern History of Maritime Terrorism
addresses an important and neglected area of terrorism studies. The potential for maritime terror has escalated dramatically since the October 2000 attack on the USS Cole. Lehr’s study offers a compelling, thoughtful and well-researched account of the history of maritime terrorism, its current manifestations, locations and perpetrators and potential future trajectories. This fine volume will be of enduring use to both scholars of terrorism and counter-terror practitioners.’ -- David Martin Jones, King's College London, UK
Table of ContentsContents: 1 Introduction to A Modern History of Maritime Terrorism PART I (PAST): MARITIME TERRORISM – A SHORT HISTORY 2 First ripples – early maritime terrorism 3 Challenging the state – Maritime terrorism as ‘propaganda by the deed’ 4 Birth of new nations – maritime terrorism and guerrilla warfare at sea PART II (PRESENT): MARITIME TERRORISM HERE AND NOW – GOING GLOBAL 5 Maritime Jihad – Al Qaeda at sea 6 Shadows of Jihad – maritime terrorism at the fringes of the “Al Qaeda Universe” 7 No princes of the sea – some observations PART III (FUTURE): SOME HORIZON SCANNING 8 Maritime terrorism of the future – actors and locations 9 The future of maritime terrorism – weapons and tactics 10 Conclusion – trickles and waves Bibliography Index
