Terrorism has been one of the most important threats to peace, security and stability in many parts of the world. But what does this mean? What is the nature of this threat? What can be done about it and 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 four parts. First it focuses on the essence of terrorism as an instrument to achieve certain goals and the difficulties in defining the term. The second part provides an overview of the state of the art of terrorism studies. The most interesting results of this academic field are examined and compared with empirical evidence with the aim to either stress their importance or to debunk them as myths. The final part looks into the impact of terrorism, recent developments and their implications for both academics and policymakers.

Edwin Bakker is professor in terrorism studies at Leiden University and works for the Netherlands Police Academy. His research interests include jihadist terrorism and counterterrorism policies. Many students worldwide have participated in his massive open online course on terrorism and counterterrorism at Coursera and FutureLearn.

Jeanine de Roy van Zuijdewijn is assistant professor in terrorism studies at Leiden University. Her research interests include dealing with the impact of terrorism and foreign fighters. She aims to make academic knowledge relevant for wider audiences, ranging from the general public to policymakers and politicians.

Contents

List of boxes & figures
Preface
About the authors
Acknowledgements

1 Definition and nature of terrorism
1.1 Introduction
1.2 A worldwide phenomenon
1.3 Terrorism leading to strong responses around the globe
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 Key elements of terrorism
1.9 Conclusion
2 History of terrorism: a constantly changing phenomenon
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The first wave of terrorism: the ‘anarchist wave’ (1880s - 1919)
2.3 The second wave of terrorism: the ‘anti-colonial wave’ (1920s - 1960s)
2.4 The third wave of terrorism: the ‘new left wave’ (1960s - early 1990s)
2.5 The fourth wave of terrorism: the ‘religious wave’
2.6 A fifth wave of terrorism?
2.7 Conclusion
3 Terrorism studies
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The history of terrorism studies
3.3 Disciplines and approaches
3.4 Key authors and centres
3.5 Challenges and dilemmas
3.6 The current state of the art
3.7 Conclusion
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 becoming increasingly lethal
4.5 Assumption four: Terrorism is predominantly anti-western
4.6 Assumption five: Terrorism is successful
5 Assumptions about counterterrorism
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Assumption one: Profiling works
5.3 Assumption two: Deradicalisation of terrorists is possible
5.4 Assumption three: Decapitation of terrorist organisations works
5.5 Assumption four: Terrorism cannot be defeated
5.6 Assumption five: Terrorism can best be dealt with by way of a holistic or wide approach
6. Dealing with the impact of terrorism
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Fear of terrorism
6.3 A ‘culture of fear’ and resilience
6.4 Dealing with the impact of terrorism in theory
6.5 Dealing with the impact of terrorism in practice
6.6 Conclusion
7: Trends and developments in (counter)terrorism and a future research agenda
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Importance of monitoring trends and looking ahead
7.3 Trends and developments in terrorism and counterterrorism
7.4 Un- and under-researched topics in terrorism studies
7.5 Future research agenda in terrorism studies
7.6 Concluding remarks