Nonviolent Response to Terrorism

By Tom H. Hastings

Terrorism, which by definition targets civilians, is unacceptable, but a violent response to violence usually causes more violence. This book outlines some of the best thinking about nonviolent methods of resisting terrorism in the growing fields of international aid and nonviolent interposition.

The first section covers immediate nonviolent response to terrorism: international negotiations, mediations, and adjudication, UN and citizen sanctions, cross-cultural communication, citizen initiatives, international treaties and the World Court, the International Criminal Court, and nonviolent resistance through raising consciousness to mobilization and resisting state-sponsored terror. The second section, on long-term non-violent response to terrorism, discusses halting arms trade and militarism, stopping arms flow to terrorists, "defunding" the military, building sustainable just economies, aid to the poor, reducing privileged overconsumption, peace and conflict education, understanding and using the media, refugee repatriation, and helping indigenous liberation struggles.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786418745
• ISBN13: 9780786418749
• Release Date: July 2004
• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Length: 252 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A must read for anyone concerned about our future!

I just finished reading this book and it was more than I expected. I actually took a class from Tom at PSU and was more intrigued than ever to develop my own personal ideas about nonviolence, and the role it plays in our world. This book was thought provoking, and it led me to question certain "truths" that I had held dear. It's not all a stuffy or technical read. It was honest and forthcoming, and I appreciated all the clear information. I would recommend this book to eveyone from a CEO's of corporations, military personnel (especially!), tree-loving hippies, and angst-ridden college students! It's that good! Peace!

Strategies for Resisting Terrorism Nonviolently

Tom H. Hastings, Nonviolent Response to Terrorism. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co., Inc., 2004. $39.95. 244 pp. ISBN 0786418745. This imminently readable, informed, and well-documented survey of the best thinking about nonviolent responses to terrorism combines the concrete experience of an activist and the theoretical knowledge of a scholar. It emphasizes the intimate connection between developing and using nonviolent structures and between short-term and long-term responses. In four chapters devoted to immediate nonviolent response, it describes the strengths and limitations of smart sanctions, meditation, law, and nonviolent resistance, including nonviolent interposition. Similarly, the final four chapters discuss long-term nonviolent response, such as halting the arms race, building sustainable economies, educating about peace cultures, and repatriating refugees. The author indicates how recent experience and research around the globe have increased activists' skills in international negotiation, mediation, and adjudication. Three insightful reflections on terrorism, in an appendix, along with appropriate references and a detail index, make this book an ideal introduction to recent movements for social change throughout the world. An invaluable contribution to various disciplines associated with peace and conflict studies, it relies on essential scholarship on nonviolence theory and strategy along the way. --Michael D. True