The Roots of Modern Terrorism

This book differs from the bulk of existing literature dealing with terrorism by emphasising the historic theoretical and practical foundation to contemporary terrorism, by placing it within the framework of contending hypotheses about international relations, strategic and conflcit analysis, along with some of the key writings on peace and reconciliation. It argues that terrorism is a logical, and often reasonable, mode for expression of grievances by disenfranchised groups or organisations, which are unable to be heard through normal political processes. In order to understand the potential of terrorism one has to analyse the structures available for effecting dissent and change. Modernisation and globilisation combined with the increased power of states increases the attractiveness of terrorism for disaffected groups. Within this context the study links various groups, forms and regions where terrorism exists. Unlike most studies it does not start from a state-centred bias, ie how to prevent attacks on legitimate states, but assesses terrorism within its own motivations, methods and objectives.