Description
Book SynopsisOpinion surveys show that what the public assumes it knows about terrorism is at best a badly distorted view. Recalling the “Flat Earth” phenomenon, early misconceptions have become solidified, despite new evidence refuting them. The authors of The Irrational Terrorist discredit these popular myths and misconceptions, providing an accessible overview of the key theoretical explanations of terrorism and liberally illustrating their analysis with case studies. Ranging from the religious and economic backgrounds of individual terrorists to the nature and outreach of terrorist organizations, they offer fact-based, cutting-edge explanations of the motivations and behavior of terrorist groups.
Trade Review“Synthesizing in new ways scholarship from a range of disciplines, The Irrational Terrorist is a nuanced introductory study that fills a gap in the literature on terrorism.” - Choice
"The book that terrorism experts have been waiting for—one that debunks popular misconceptions about international terrorism!" - Christine Sixta Rinehart, University of South Carolina Union
"Armed with a solid basis in both history and theory of terrorism, the authors tackle many persistent myths and false assumptions.... A valuable contribution to terrorism studies and the bibliography alone is worth the purchase.” — Alisa Stack, Perspectives on Terrorism
Table of ContentsWhat We Think We Know About Terrorism. Myth: I Know Terrorism When I See It. Myth: Religious Fundamentalism Is the Only Source of Terrorism. Myth: Terrorists Are Poor and Uneducated.
Myth: Terrorists Are Crazy. Myth: Terrorist Organizations Are Unsophisticated. The Influence of the Media and Governments. Four Critical Myths of Counterterrorism. Putting It All in Perspective.
