Terrorism 101: A Library Reference & Selectived Annotated Bibliography

by Leon Newton

Todays terrorists are often part of a global network of highly sophisticated, methodical, comprehensive, well funded terrorist organizations whose perversions of their faiths allow them to justify... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1598006118
• ISBN13: 9781598006117
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Length: 1 Pages
• Weight: 1.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.3" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

Terrorism 101: A Library Reference & Selected Annotated Bibliography

Dr Leon Newton brings us an extremely comprehensive study of terrorism. This book is more than a library reference book. It is written in an easy-to-follow format, covering the history of terrorism from Bible times to modern times. Organized terrorist groups are well covered, as are the mavericks. The weapons of terror, biological warfare, nuclear weapons and cyberterrorism are just a few of the issues discussed in the book. My interest was captured and held from the book's introduction through the bibliography. Each chapter is preceded by its own introduction and most of the chapters are followed by a summary. If I could choose just one word to sum up what the book does for its readers, I would say that it "Enlightens".

Terrorism 101: A Library Reference & Selected Annotated bibliography

Dr. Newton's library reference book thoroughly examines the problematic of defining and describing terrorism, its history yesterday and today, Al Qaeda, the dilemmas democracies, particularly the United States, face when confronted with such assaults, the capacity of the international community including the United Nations in this era, various conceptualizations about the causes of terrorism, the role of the media, and the use of the potential for bio-chemical and nuclear/radiological weaponry, cyberterrorism, and the role of counterterrorism in what Newton refers to as the New Age of Terrorism. Because this book includes an extensive annotated bibliography, it serves as a basic resource for both the initiate and the seasoned expert on terrorism. On September 11, 2001, when the second plane expertly made the 90 degree turn and crashed with calculated deliberation into the second tower of the World Trade Center, I found myself at a loss. I wondered who would do this and why? Was this another Oklahoma City or something broader? Once the national emotionality began to subside and we started to ask questions our government told us that this was a terrorist attack and that we should prepare for the possibility of further assaults. Later it occurred to many that 9/11 was possible because the elites governing this country were not paying attention to the correct information. They couldn't stop something that they unable to imagine as possible. How then do we, the citizens, protect ourselves? Is our democracy threatened? Will our aspirations to live free as individuals survive the garrison mentality of a global war on terrorism? Will liberty and justice for all remain an important American ideal? Concerns and questions such as these lead me to Dr. Newton's reference book entitled Terrorism 101. Not only does this book answer these questions, but it also broadened my understanding and encouraged me to read further and deeper. How we "identify, stop and prevent terrorism" to quote Dr. Newton, depends upon our deployment of "our arsenal...of people (expert) in diplomacy, intelligence gathering, computers, anthropology, economics, communications, crisis management, arbitration, languages, foreign relations" etc.

Enthusiastically recommended as an informed and informative study

Written by Leon Newton Ph. D. (Professor of Political Science at Jackson State University), Terrorism 110: A Library Reference & Selected Annotated Bibliography is a solid reference, written for scholars, field professionals, and lay readers alike. Drawing upon history, research, and a wealth of documentation, chapters illuminate the true nature of the terrorist group Al Qaeda, why the root causes of terrorism cannot be explained simply, the relationship between terrorism and the media, the ramifications of terrorism in today's modern age, and much more. A massive, 150-page bibliography is as valuable as the main text, which draws succinct and well-reasoned conclusions where it can and states plainly when there is too little evidence to be certain. Enthusiastically recommended as an informed and informative study text to dispel common myths about terrorism such as the belief that poverty causes it, or that all terrorists are insane.

A Compelling and Insightful Read

Terrorism 101 provides an insightful and educational read into the "nuts and bolts" of Terrorism. Terrorism is not a new trend. Dr. Leon Newton shows that terrorism has existed for as long as Governments have been in place. He points to historical accounts of terrorism that go back to such early periods as BC 334. Terrorism 101 offers readers a detailed account of the history of terrorism, the role of the media and terrorism, the historical roots of terrorism, countering terrorism, foreign policies and their influence on terrorism, and a historical account of the formation of Al Qaeda. A thoroughly researched reference book, Terrorism 101 presents an enlightened perspective on terrorism. An in depth Appendix and Bibliography provides readers with many works written by other experts in the field of terrorism. With so much written about terrorism, it is often difficult to research the topic to gain an understanding of the motives behind it. Dr. Newton provides readers with well-researched and factually documented information that helps one understand the various aspects of terrorism. It is a handy resource tool for those seeking to educate themselves about the many issues concerning terrorism. When reading the book, a number of important topics come up. The role of the media and its ability to sway public opinion is one important concern. It would have been interesting to see a chapter devoted exclusively to the Cable Television News Networks. The 24-hour news channels are a powerful tool in swaying public opinion. For instance, when the subject of invading Iraq was placed in the public domain, the 24 hour news channels first tried to show both sides, those for and those against. Later, a bias evolved supporting the pro invasion side, possibly motivated by the thrill of accompanying the military during the invasion, which may have influenced journalists to stop asking the right questions. Much like the "war on drugs," the declaration of "war on terror" and the use of preemptive strikes reveal an unrealistic ideal. The Preemptive Strike Doctrine only fuels the spread of Terrorism. By addressing historical and current events, Dr. Newton points out that "modernizing a culture too fast can lead to a proliferation of terrorists, as those who feel marginalized, powerless, and threatened," become easy prey for terrorist organizations seeking new recruits. Dr. Newton explains that military intervention alone does not stop terrorists. In times of turmoil, losing one's rational perspective, diplomatic voice, and non-military methods aimed at preventing terrorism, can only lead to the further proliferation of terrorists. We see this happening in Iraq. Terrorism 101 provides readers with a rational and comprehensive guide to understanding terrorism and the choices that are available to reduce the spread of terrorist activities with the goal of preventing such horrific events as 911. I highly recommend this well crafted and well-researched book to read

An Excellent Reference Book on Terrorism

Leon Newton, has written "Terrorism 101" that offers a fresh perspective on the many works introducing terrorism that have been published since 9/11. "Terrorism 101" covers a wide variety of ideas and subjects that have been all been hotly debated within the subject. It opens with the a discussion of the definition of terrorism and rather than becoming bogged down here as so many other authors have done, he offers us a workable definition and then quickly moves on to a historical discussion of the issue. Newton also covers Al-Qaeda, The PATRIOT Act, International Terrorism, Causes of Terrorism, Media and Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction and the Potentials of Future Terrorism. Newton's book is easy to read and students will not find it difficult to follow. It is in the second half of the book that "Terrorism 101" breaks with the other books in the market and offers an Annotated Bibliography that will prove to be of immense valve to the reader. What Newton has done is compile an Annotated Bibliography of terrorism related books, articles, scholarly related publications, government publications, reports and Internet sources. These resources will be of immense aid to any student of current events as well as the secondary school or collegiate level student conduction research for assignments. This book is designed for a public or private library with students beginning their research into the subject of terrorism. This book would also be a great addition to any personal library due to its outstanding bibliography. Whether purchased for a private, public or personal collection "Terrorism 101" is an excellent addition to any library.