The Ultimate Terrorists (Hardcover)

by Jessica Stern (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In recent years, much has been made of the emerging post-Cold War threats posed by terrorist groups wielding devastating weapons. Stern, a former National Security Council staffer, explains with chilling lucidity why it is becoming more likely that those threats will materialize into a major terrorist incident featuring a weapon of mass destruction. Breaking her theory into numerous digestible parts, Stern begins by showing that terrorists themselves have changed. Whereas in the past they have been driven by political concerns (e.g., recognition of Palestinian national aspirations), terrorists now are motivated by a multitude of extremist causes, and some view terrorism not as a tactical tool but as an end in itself. The new terrorists are also better supplied and more highly educated than their precursors. Dangerous weapons?such as those previously owned by the former Soviet Union?are readily available on the black market. In addition, the Internet makes it easier for terrorists to recruit and communicate with comrades. In cool prose that never talks down to lay readers, Stern outlines the horrific effects of biological and chemical agents, making a thoroughly convincing case that a biochemical attack would be compounded by mass panic and a dangerous social breakdown. "Because they evoke such horror," Stern writes, "these weapons would seem to be ideal for terrorists, who seek to inspire fear in targeted populations." But even as Stern stokes fear, she also offers an extensive proposal for countering the new terrorism. Her proposals will not be for everyone but will surely provide substantial food for thought. (Mar.) FYI: Stern was portrayed by Nicole Kidman in the film The Peacemaker.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Stern, a former National Security Council staffer, reviews the current threat posed by terrorists possessing weapons of mass destruction (WMD)?nuclear, chemical, and biological?especially as directed against the United States. She discusses state-sponsored terrorism (Iraq), the risks of leftover materials from the former Soviet Union, and recommendations for combatting WMD terrorism, such as closer monitoring of domestic threats like political extremists and religious cults. In the post-Cold War world, the threat of terrorism is much greater than nuclear war, yet in Stern's opinion the United States is not sufficiently prepared to confront it. She hopes her policy suggestions will help reduce the likelihood and deadliness of terrorist acts. Geared to an informed audience, heavily footnoted, and with technical details of WMD components, this book is recommended for specialized collections on terrorism.?Gregor A. Preston, formerly with Univ. of California Lib., Davis
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harvard University Press; 1 edition (March 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0674617908
• ISBN-13: 978-0674617902
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,781,309 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Stern and well-founded warning, May 6, 2000

By	[e-mail] (Jacksonville, NC) - See all my reviews

In order to determine the severity of any potential threat, that threat needs to be analyzed in terms of the enemy capability and intent, and of the friendly vulnerability. Jessica Stern, in The Ultimate Terrorists, expertly addresses all of these factors in her analysis of WMD terrorism. By doing so, Stern enables the reader to form an educated opinion on this topic. Whether the reader is a national policy maker, academic researcher, military professional, emergency service provider, or simply an American citizen, this book offers valuable analysis of a viable threat to national security. The Ultimate Terrorists is highly recommended for reading.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on the subject., September 15, 1999

By A Customer

Jessica Stern has a unique combination of qualifications: experience in the government, where she ran the White House's interagency task force on nuclear smuggling -- and solid credentials in academia, where she has published many articles on terrorism and chemical and nuclear weapons. And she writes extremely well. In my personal opinion, this is simply the best book on the subject.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A readable introduction to WMD terrorism, July 7, 1999

By A Customer

For those with limited background in terrorism as far as weapons of mass destruction are concerned, this book is a good introduction. Its greatest virtue is how easy to read it is. However, if you can stomach dry writing, I found the Richard Falkenrath book, America's Achilles Heel, far more thorough and informative. If it were a choice between those two books (for reasons of time or money), go with America's Achilles Heel. If you have sufficient time and money, get both.