Political Terrorism
Theory, Tactics and Counter-Measures

Grant Wardlaw provides a comprehensive analysis on terrorism and the counter-terrorist policies of democratic states.

Grant Wardlaw (Author)

9780521368414, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 23 November 1989

268 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.4 kg

'Grant Wardlaw had authored a splendid text that will be of equal value to those in the station-house or in the seminar room. Through fine writing and insightful observations, he has surveyed the major areas in the study of terrorism … Political Terrorism is an outstanding book, one that should be assigned as a required text for classes on the topic.' American Political Science Review

This work outlines the important considerations of policy that confront a democratic state in trying to combat terrorism and at the same time remain democratic. Part I of this book, provides the reader with a comprehensive introduction to the definition, history, theory, operation and effects of terrorism as an essential background to policy analysis. Part II analyses counter-terrorist policies. It begins by outlining basic policy choices and then looks at specific policy areas such as the role of intelligence agencies, the use of the armed forces, the development of anti-terrorist legislation and international treaties, and the issue of regulation of media reporting of terrorist incidents. Developments in the strategic dimension of terrorism are discussed in chapters on the importance of hostage takings to international terrorism and issues surrounding state involvement in international terrorism. In the preparation of this second edition, Grant Wardlaw has considerably expanded the second part of the book, focusing firmly upon the international policy consequences of prevalent developments within international terrorism.

Preface to the second edition
Preface to the first edition
Part I. An Introduction to Political Terrorism: 1. The problem of defining terrorism
2. Terrorism: a historical perspective
3. The changing nature of terrorism
4. The purpose of terrorism
5. The development of terrorism as a strategy
6. Trends in terrorism
7. The effects of terrorism
Part II. Some Selected Problems in the Response to terrorism: 8. Counter-terrorist policies: fundamental choices
9. Terrorism and the media: a symbiotic relationship?
10. The role of the army in counter-terrorist operations
11. The legal regulation of terrorism: international and national measures
12. Counter-measures against terrorism: the intelligence function
13. Terrorist hostage-takings
14. Counter-measures against terrorism: the role of behavioural science research
15. State involvement in international terrorism
16. The future of political terrorism
Notes
Select bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Terrorism, armed struggle [JPWL]