Customer Reviews

Terrorism and Homeland Security: An Introduction

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is an introductory book. As such, it is designed for an audience with little or no background in this topic. Despite this limitation, I have found many people who are well read in this topic, prefer this book over others. I use this book in classes I teach on terrorism because it is, hands down, the best overview of terrorism on the market.

Jonathan R. White's "Terrorism and Homeland Security", now in its sixth edition, gathers together an impressive amount of material in a textbook survey of a difficult field. White approaches the subject of terrorism from theoretical, organizational, historical, and geographic points of view, among others. His concluding chapters address the homeland security response to terrorism, the dangers of bureaucratizing that response, and the inherent threat to civil liberties. The presentation includes an impressive collection of maps, graphics, and photographs. The text has obviously been updated to practically the moment of publication.

The good news is that this textbook is a great introduction for the average college student. White methodically presents all sides of every important question; the thoughtful student will have much to ponder in considering the challenging topic of terrorism.

There are some shortcomings. The text has some annoying factual errors; for example, the US Navy escort of Kuwaiti tankers in the late 1980's had everything to do with the effects of the Iran-Iraq War and nothing to do with the hijacking of airplanes, as White implies. More importantly, in presenting all sides of any given question, White makes little effort to distinguish between the factually grounded and the merely speculative. Not every point of view on terrorism is equally valid; many cited opinions are the stuff of incomplete newspaper reporting, politicized Op-Ed pieces, or even obvious terrorist propaganda. Conscientious instructors will have to parse those points of view for their students.

"Terrorism and Homeland Security" is cautiously recommended as an introductory-level college textbook on the topic of terrorism.

This book is an excellent primer for those studying the various disciplines of terrorism. Professors are well advised to consider use of this book in their required reading list. It is well organized, well documented, and uses just about the right amount of examples, most of them from actual events. I especially appreciated the way each chapter gives you an idea of what you should take away from it.

The only real drawback is a minor one. It tends to read a little heavy sometimes. Give yourself some time to digest each piece before moving on and you will be OK.

Bottom Line: When you finish this book, you will have a clearer understanding of the concepts, motivations, and philosophies of not only terrorism, but also counter- and anti- terrorism, and some of the contemporary issues surrounding modern terrorism. Well Done!!

I found this book to be well organized and a decent introduction to terrorism. It is a textbook so I would not consider it a fun read, but it is informative.

Dr. White, an international expert in the field of international terrorism has put together a great book to help the average reader who may be inundated with the "war on terrorism" put the problem in perspective. The book is presented in terms comprehensible to the average reader and is not a doomsday approach that many terrorism authors have today. This is a great read and allows a reader to fully comprehend the global problem we face without the rhetoric. Thanks Dr. White.

This is an excellent textbook for any Political Science or Criminal Justice major. It gives the facts. However, there is a liberal bias. This review is coming from someone who has a liberal bias. Many facts are available in this text. The world is a complicated place and terrorism is subjective. If you are a conservative do not buy this book. It will only anger you. However, if you are a logical, free thinking person you will learn from this book. I give it 7/10.

Overall good book for a review. But is a little right leaning towards law enforcement And doesn't have very good imperical research. But that's the authors job.

Book received 6 days after purchase in listed condition. Smooth and easy transaction. Thank you!

We used this as our primary textbook in a National Security and Terrorism class. What a great book! Everyone should read this book!If you are interested in understanding the motivation behind terrorism (in all forms...)and working toward a solution, this is a must!

Excellent text for the beginner ... easy to read & follow ... doesn't focus on just one group or country ... a well rounded book on a front page topic ... well worth your time.