Terrorism : a critical introduction / Richard Jackson... [and others].

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- PART I: THE STUDY OF POLITICAL TERRORISM -- The Orthodox Study of Terrorism -- Critical Approaches to Terrorism Studies -- The Cultural Construction of Terrorism -- Bringing Gender into the Study of Terrorism -- PART II: KEY ISSUES -- Conceptualizing Terrorism -- Reconsidering the Terrorism Threat -- Types of Terrorism -- Understanding State Terrorism -- The Causes of Non-State Terrorism -- Responding to Non-State Terrorism -- Assessing the War on Terror.

In the years since 9/11, terrorism has been transformed into an issue of global significance. Terrorism and the war on terror has affected virtually every aspect of modern life, and a precise understanding of terrorism is now more important {u2013} and contentious {u2013} than ever. This innovative text provides a much-needed critical introduction to terrorism. Cutting-edge research on contemporary issues is combined with new insights into long-debated issues such as the definition of terrorism, the nature of the terrorist threat and counter-terrorism strategies. Showing that the methods we adopt as well as the material we study are vital for a clear understanding of the subject, this text goes beyond traditional IR approaches to rethink popular beliefs and assumptions about terrorism. Taking a genuinely global and integrated approach, this book is an ideal entry into the study of terrorism. The text is supported by: {u2022} International case studies from around the world {u2022} A detailed glossary introducing key actors, events and concepts relating to terrorism {u2022} Learning aids to stimulate critical thinking, including discussion questions, further readings and selected web resources