Human Killing Machines: Systematic Indoctrination in Iran, Nazi Germany, Al Qaeda, and Abu Ghraib [Hardcover]

Adam Lankford (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0739134159 | ISBN-13: 978-0739134153 | Publication Date: April 16, 2009

They usually start out as ordinary people, doing their best to deal with mixed messages in a complex world. What they don’t realize is that they may be the target of a violent system that is building an obedient workforce. One day they’re enjoying a few laughs with buddies, and seemingly the next day, they wake up as human killing machines. And they allowed it to happen.

Addressing one of the most serious threats to the world today, Human Killing Machines applies the model of systematic indoctrination to case studies of brutality in Iran, Nazi Germany, Al Qaeda, and Abu Ghraib. The book reveals how these transformations take place—how systems redefine morality to turn ordinary people into torturers, terrorists, and genocidal killers. Analyzing the key differences between these cases also helps to identify the safeguards which limit violence. Lankford demonstrates the weaknesses of indoctrination, the ways heroic individuals have resisted its influence, and the potential for countermeasures. Based on these examples, he offers recommendations for how we can begin to reform the U.S. military and increase its accountability, reduce Al Qaeda terrorists’ commitment to their missions, and spark an awakening in Iran so that the oppressive regime goes out with a whimper—not with a bang.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Adam Lankford's well-written and provocative new book, Human Killing Machines: Systematic Indoctrination in Iran, Nazi Germany, Al Qaeda, and Abu Ghraib, delivers a behavioral model that goes a long way toward explaining otherwise inexplicably inhuman actions by "normal" human beings. The reader need not agree with every one of Lankford's observations to recognize his insightfulness and the utility of his work for both scholars and practitioners. Human Killing Machines is "must reading" for soldiers, diplomats, and political leaders of democratic countries as well as academics in the social sciences, international relations, and criminal justice." --John T. Fishel, Professor Emeritus of National Security Policy, National Defense University

"This book is a must read. It should be required reading for all police officers. Hopefully, by understanding the process of systematic indoctrination, as so aptly described by Adam Lankford, those entrusted with the power of the state will mightily resist any pull towards acts of unredeemable violence."

"Lankford's Human Killing Machines is a splendid interdisciplinary effort sure to interest casual readers, sociologists, political scientists, criminal justice scholars, and Homeland Security experts alike." --The Homeland Security Review (added by author)

"Human Killing Machines is a work of diligent scholarship marked by skillful exposition and compelling prose. This book deals with issues that matter to our way of life and sheds light on how we might better understand and ameliorate the potential for violence, including catastrophic violence, that dogs the modern world."

About the Author

Adam Lankford is an Asst. Professor of Criminal Justice at The University of Alabama. He has also taught at Marymount University and the Corcoran College in Washington, D.C. From 2003 to 2008, he helped coordinate Senior Executive Anti-Terrorism Forums for high-ranking foreign military and security personnel in conjunction with the U.S. State Department's Anti-Terrorism Assistance program. He has published on a range of topics related to aggression, violence, counterterrorism and international security.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 202 pages
• Publisher: Lexington Books (April 16, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0739134159
• ISBN-13: 978-0739134153
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,051,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Adam Lankford is an Asst. Professor of Criminal Justice at The University of Alabama. He has also taught at Marymount University and The Corcoran College in Washington, D.C.

From 2003 to 2008, he helped coordinate Senior Executive Anti-Terrorism Forums for high-ranking foreign military and security personnel in conjunction with the U.S. State Department's Anti-Terrorism Assistance program. During this period, ATA hosted delegations from India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Colombia, Georgia, Armenia, Tunisia, and Morocco.

Dr. Lankford has published on a range of topics related to aggression, violence, counterterrorism, and international security. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Justice, Law and Society from American University and his B.A. in English from Haverford College.

Customer Reviews

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0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "a work of diligent scholarship", March 25, 2009

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This review is from: Human Killing Machines: Systematic Indoctrination in Iran, Nazi Germany, Al Qaeda, and Abu Ghraib (Hardcover)

"Human Killing Machines is a work of diligent scholarship marked by skillful exposition and compelling prose. This book deals with issues that matter to our way of life and sheds light on how we might better understand and ameliorate the potential for violence, including catastrophic violence, that dogs the modern world."--Robert Johnson, Professor of Justice, Law, and Society, American University