Root Causes of Terrorism: Myths, Reality and Ways Forward

By Tore Bjørgo

Book Overview

This team of international experts analyses the possibilities and limitations of preventing or reducing terrorism by addressing the factors that give rise to it and sustain it. The key questions raised include:

* what are the main circumstances that provide preconditions for the emergence of various types of terrorism?

* what are the typical precipitants that trigger terrorist campaigns?

* to what extent is it possible to reduce the problem of terrorism by influencing these causes and circumstances?

* should we address those factors that sustain terrorist campaigns rather than root causes?

This book is edited by Tore Bj rgo - Senior Research Fellow at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), Professor and Research Director at the Norwegian Police University College.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0415351502
• ISBN13: 9780415351508
• Release Date: June 2005
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 270 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Very good collection

Bjorgo's collection is an excellent one. It covers most of the major topics that are important for terrorism today. The contributors to the volume are generally experts in the field. To its credit the book does not focus overly much on either the Middle East or Islam; it considers other types of terrorism in other geographical regions. The book is nicely balanced in this regard.

General Review of Root Causes of Terrorism: Myths, reality and ways forward

What this well written academic book does, is that it gives the reader insight into the broad spectrum of the phenomena of terrorism and the theories behind its roots causes--utilizing several international academics whom incorporate, overall, sound methodologies that support and challenge various terrorism theories that have emerged over the last several decades. The only negative critique I propose is that its contributing scholars are predominantly liberal in orientation (which is not necessarily inaccurate in and of itself)--but the contributions of such leading American experts, the likes of Brian Jenkins and Bruce Hoffman, are missing.