Since the events of 11 September 2001, the propaganda uses of the word ‘terrorism’ have multiplied, and it has never been clearer that one person’s terrorist is another’s freedom fighter. This No-Nonsense Guide looks at debates about September 11 and responses to it, but also tries to get behind the causes and contexts of both group terrorism and state terrorism.
Jonathan Barker provides a historical sketch as well as current examples from the Middle East, Latin America, Europe and Asia. He guides readers through the moral and political theories and highlights the battle of images and ideas that accompanies them. Analyzing the dynamics of terrorism, Barker scrutinizes the war on terror and its fateful consequences for democracy.