Terrorism: An Introduction [Paperback]

Jonathan R. White (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0534526993 | ISBN-13: 978-0534526993 | Publication Date: May 20, 1997 | Edition: 2nd

Intended for a course in Terrorism offered in criminal justice, political science, or sociology departments at the upper-division or graduate level. Also intended as a supplement to a variety of courses on international and comparative criminal justice, violence, policy issues, current issues, or special issues.

This text clearly explains the major issues in the growing threat of both domestic and international terrorism while also covering current and historical information about terrorist groups in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and South America. It provides rich pedagogical aids and the most up-to-date theories of the leading terrorist analysts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Pub Co; 2nd edition (May 20, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534526993
• ISBN-13: 978-0534526993
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,952,168 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Overview of Terrorism, April 10, 2000

By 

Richard Holden - See all my reviews

This review is from: Terrorism: An Introduction (Paperback)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Introduction to Terrorism, with a caution...., February 28, 2009

By 

D. S. Thurlow (Alaska) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Terrorism and Homeland Security: An Introduction (Hardcover)

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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for anyone interested in terrorism studies, March 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Terrorism: An Introduction (Paperback)

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!!