Starred Review. Author and University of Kent sociologist Furedi (Culture of Fear Revisited) stakes out a bold position in this exploration of the War on Terror-in particular, its "self-fulfilling prophecy" effect, inspiring fear and passivity regardless of the actual danger. The only thing new about the "new terrorism," Furedi claims, is the perception that it's any more sophisticated or effective than it used to be. Citing the resilience of populations who coped with attacks far beyond the capabilities of today's terrorists-such as the Nazi blitz and the Allied bombings of Hamburg and Hiroshima-Furedi argues convincingly that "terrorism cannot seriously threaten the integrity of society nor undermine the way of life of a nation." Though the British and American governments do have that power, Furedi contends that the War on Terror is less a deliberate effort to cow or manipulate than it is a sincere but wrong-headed attempt to mobilize popular support-rooted in fact and genuine concern-by leaders who don't understand that "society can absorb occasional acts of terror," but becomes disoriented and demoralized living in a protracted state of fear. Referencing hundreds of independent studies, government reports and media commentary, Furedi contributes an insightful argument for a realistic, level-headed and self-aware approach to the problem of terrorism.
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Mentioned on Social Vision (web), October 2007
(Social Vision (web) )
"Author and University of Kent sociologist Furedi (Culture of Fear Revisited) stakes out a bold position in this exploration of the War on Terror—in particular, its 'self-fulfilling prophecy' effect, inspiring fear and passivity regardless of the actual danger. The only thing new about the 'new terrorism,' Furedi claims, is the perception that it's any more sophisticated or effective than it used to be. Citing the resilience of populations who coped with attacks far beyond the capabilities of today's terrorists—such as the Nazi blitz and the Allied bombings of Hamburg and Hiroshima—Furedi argues convincingly that 'terrorism cannot seriously threaten the integrity of society nor undermine the way of life of a nation.' Though the British and American governments do have that power, Furedi contends that the War on Terror is less a deliberate effort to cow or manipulate than it is a sincere but wrong-headed attempt to mobilize popular support—rooted in fact and genuine concern—by leaders who don't understand that 'society can absorb occasional acts of terror,' but becomes disoriented and demoralized living in a protracted state of fear. Referencing hundreds of independent studies, government reports and media commentary, Furedi contributes an insightful argument for a realistic, level-headed and self-aware approach to the problem of terrorism." (Dec.) --Publishers Weekly
(
Publishers Weekly )
"Invitation to Terror has a relevence to policy makers far outside of the security arena"--Tribune
(Tribune )
"He (Frand Furedi) is good at noticing history repeating itself - for example, in 'the periodic discovery that terrorism represents a new and unprecedented danger' - and interrogates usefully the notions of 'vulnerability' or being 'at risk'"--Saturday Guardian
(Saturday Guardian )
"This book is fresh, well written, awash with lightly worn learning and so confident in its perspective that the argument... gathers pace with such vigour as each chapter rolls by that the book's end it seems well-nigh irrefutable"--Times Higher Educational Supplement
(
Times Higher Educational Supplement )
''Invitation to Terror is a bold attempt to face important and disturbing questions, and hits a number of its targets''
John Dunn, Times Literary Supplement, August 2008
"Furedi is a sociologist, adept at the analysis of culture... Invitation to Terror is a bold attempt to face important and disturbing questions"
The Times Literary Supplement, August 2008
Publication mentioned in 'Kent' the magazine for University of Kent, Spring 2008
Author mentioned title in article.
TimesOnline, 15 March 2009
Title mentioned, Sunday Herald (Glasgow). 3 May 2009.
Author article on media fear, Sunday Herald (Glasgow). 3 May 2009.
Discussion of topic, The Australian. 4 February 2009.
Interview, Kent (University Magazine). Spring 2008.
Mentioned on Social Vision (web), October 2007
(, )
"Author and University of Kent sociologist Furedi (Culture of Fear Revisited) stakes out a bold position in this exploration of the War on Terror—in particular, its 'self-fulfilling prophecy' effect, inspiring fear and passivity regardless of the actual danger. The only thing new about the 'new terrorism,' Furedi claims, is the perception that it’s any more sophisticated or effective than it used to be. Citing the resilience of populations who coped with attacks far beyond the capabilities of today’s terrorists—such as the Nazi blitz and the Allied bombings of Hamburg and Hiroshima—Furedi argues convincingly that 'terrorism cannot seriously threaten the integrity of society nor undermine the way of life of a nation.' Though the British and American governments do have that power, Furedi contends that the War on Terror is less a deliberate effort to cow or manipulate than it is a sincere but wrong-headed attempt to mobilize popular support—rooted in fact and genuine concern—by leaders who don’t understand that 'society can absorb occasional acts of terror,' but becomes disoriented and demoralized living in a protracted state of fear. Referencing hundreds of independent studies, government reports and media commentary, Furedi contributes an insightful argument for a realistic, level-headed and self-aware approach to the problem of terrorism." (Dec.) –Publishers Weekly
(
Publishers Weekly )
"Invitation to Terror has a relevence to policy makers far outside of the security arena"--Tribune
(, )
"He (Frand Furedi) is good at noticing history repeating itself - for example, in 'the periodic discovery that terrorism represents a new and unprecedented danger' - and interrogates usefully the notions of 'vulnerability' or being 'at risk'"--Saturday Guardian
(, )
"This book is fresh, well written, awash with lightly worn learning and so confident in its perspective that the argument... gathers pace with such vigour as each chapter rolls by that the book's end it seems well-nigh irrefutable"--Times Higher Educational Supplement
(, )
