Product Description

This new edited volume expands our understanding of the processes by which individuals and groups disengage from terrorism.

While there has been a growing awareness of the need to understand and prevent processes of radicalization into terrorism, disengagement and deradicalization from terrorism have long been neglected areas in research on terrorism. This book uses empirical data to explore how and why individuals and groups disengage from terrorism, and what can be done to facilitate it. The work also presents a series of case studies of disengagement programmes, from Colombia, northern Europe, Italy, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, comparing and assessing their various strengths and weaknesses. In light of the lessons learned from these cases, this book describes and explains the potential for new developments in counter-terrorism.

This book will be of great interest to all students of terrorism studies, war and conflict studies, international security and politics in general, as well as professionals in the field of counter-terrorism.

Product Description

This volume shows us that in order to deal with today’s Fourth Generation asymmetric warfare by terrorist groups using conventional arms and weapons of mass destruction, we need a new ‘global networked’ approach.

The contributors examine the various attempts that have been made to counter the latest wave of terrorism, including the US strikes against Afghanistan and Iraq, President George W. Bush's declaration of a ‘war against terrorism’, the creation of the US Department of Homeland Security, and the 9/11 Commission. Drawing from our experience with ‘Terrorism Early Warning’ and the co-production of counter-terrorism intelligence, this book explains the need for such a network and shows how it could be formed. It compiles the opinions of experts from clinical medicine, public policy, law enforcement and the military. These expert contributors identify the nature of a global counter-terrorism network, show how it could be created, and provide clear guidelines for gauging its future effectiveness.

This book will be of great interest to all students of terrorism studies, US national security, international relations, and political science in general.

Customer Reviews (3)

Original perspectives on terrorism
(Full disclosure: I currently work for one of the editors of this volume, John P. Sullivan)

"Countering Terrorism and WMD" is not a typical book on terrorism. It does not dwell exclusively on Al Qaeda and its affiliates--it examine the whole spectrum of violent non-state actors. The theories within are founded on new ideas about warfare and the modern-nation state such as network theory, Fourth Generation Warfare, and the decline of the traditional state system leading to the rise of the "Market State."

As you might guess, this is heady stuff. Some passing familiarity with the writings of theorists like John Arquilla, David Ronfeldt, and William S. Lind is assumed by the authors. Many of the authors have also published in volumes edited by Dr. Robert Bunker ("Non-State Threats and Future Wars," "Networks, Terrorism, and Global Insurgency"), which outline these theories in greater detail. While knowledge of this alternative strategic canon isn't essential to understanding the essays in "Countering Terrorism and WMD," those whose only exposure to counter-terrorism is the television show "24" may have difficulty.

While the aforementioned Bunker volumes focus on describing the threat, "Countering Terrorism and WMD" focuses on providing operational solutions for countering terrorist threats. There is little, if any, writing about military solutions--the book's authors rightly focus on law enforcement and intelligence as the most desirable tools for the policymaker to combat terrorism. Those interested in adapting the traditional intelligence system to dealing with terrorist and WMD threats will find a wealth of information. Law enforcement counter-terrorism networks are also discussed extensively, beginning with Lindsay Clutterbuck's insightful review of Anglo-American Victorian-era police counter-terrorism efforts.

The authors range from RAND scholars to practitioners working in counter-terrorism and intelligence roles in military and police agencies. The balance between thinkers and practitioners serves the book well, as both scholarly rigor and ground-level experience informs the essays. Although it is primarily US-centric, "Countering Terrorism and WMD" heavily examines foreign experiences in counter-terrorism, and has a smattering of authors from foreign research institutes and security services.

The book, however, is not without flaws. Because many of the articles are reprinted journal pieces, there is sometimes substantial conceptual overlap. The book's overall operational focus makes it a poor read for those looking for grand strategies (i.e foreign policy, development, and the "war of ideas"), though Philip Bobbitt, Brian Jenkins, and Barry Desker and Arabinda Acharya do contribute insightful pieces dealing with foreign policy and grand strategy. The dense theory and terminology can also be intimidating to casual readers. While it does present foreign perspectives, the US-centric nature of the volume does inform the methods and means involving creating the "Global Counter-Terrorism Network."

Lastly, while it would be inaccurate to state that the book is a product of a particular school of thought, there nonetheless common shared assumptions about future warfare and the role of the state present throughout the compilation. These assumptions diverge substantially from the common discourse, both popular and scholarly, on counter-terrorism and the state system. If you aren't prepared to engage with those assumptions, this book isn't for you.

Overall, I recommend this book without reservation. It is both a rare inside look into the operational side of counter-terrorism and an highly original set of solutions. We are currently in an era of epochal change, and our national security apparatus has not caught up to the nature of this change. "Countering Terrorism and WMD" contains insightful, common-sense ideas about how we can catch up and continue to protect our rapidly evolving societies from those who seek to destroy us.

Books on Confrontation in World not in short supply
Books dealing with confrontatoin in the world have not been in short supply. As such, I was excited to find a book that offers its reader equally a strong compilation of current events on a field of multiple layers of concerns: Theory, Case Studies, and strategies. I found the book critical for deep global analytical reserch to keep abreast with patterns of subtle movement, abroad and right here at home. If you don't believe that America's war on terrorism threatens your freedoms, delving into this book will change your mind as well as advise you of the rights and liberties unfolding daily; that are in true jeopardy. Here is a collection of world class defense and national security scholars, juxtaposed with real-world military and law enforcement operators all sharing insights for aiding the process of the amorphous genie as it unfolds from the bottle of terrorism. The Editors; Peter Katona, Michael Intriligator and John Sullivan have brought together those experiences ofindustry professionals who expand on materials drawing on multiple disciplines - law, political science, history, sociology, psychology, economics and philosophy - to invite those hazards of clarity in questioning and insight for mutual agency communications.Well functioning agencies can benefit from a wide range of views from this collection of works, and the winnowing of open information source net-working here is a great tool to move from the shadows, and into the global Netwar.

Important, worthwhile, and timely
While books on terrorism and WMD have thrived in this millennium, this one offers a vital approach that does not get enough attention.The editors believe that an international network of law enforcement, intelligence, health, and other professionals representing the interdisciplinary nature of counter-terrorism is best suited the manage the threat.The rapid changes in technology and communications have provided terrorists with new tools.The degree to which we can adapt depends on our ability to create meaningful and productive relationships with counterpart agencies around the world.Terrorists have gone global; so should counter-terrorists. ... Read more

Product Description

The book aims to outline the progress, problems and challenges of delivering a safe and secure Olympics in the context of the contemporary serious and enduring terrorist threat. The enormous media profile and symbolic significance of the Olympic Games, the history of terrorists aiming to use such high-profile events to advance their cause, and Al Qaeda's aim to cause mass casualties, all have major implications for the security of London 2012.

Drawing on contributions from leading academics and practitioners in the field the book will assess the current terrorist threat, particularly focusing on terrorist targeting and how the Olympics might feature in this, before addressing particular response themes such as transport security, the role of surveillance, resilient designing of Olympic sites, the role of private security, and the challenge of inter-agency coordination. The book will conclude by providing an assessment of the legacy of Olympic security to date and will discuss the anticipated issues and dilemmas of the future.

This book will be of interest to students of terrorism studies, security studies, counter-terrorism and sports studies.

Product Description
This executive briefing presents the results of a study of a directed police patrol initiative that was intended to reduce firearms crime.The report is particularly timely because of several public policy controversies that have emerged in the late 1990s.The first of these is gun control.In the wake of the Columbine High School murders, the nation has been engaged in a debate over the contentious issue of laws governing firearms sales and possession.Although this is not a study of gun control, the findings of the study should be considered in the public policy debate.The second controversial issue relates to the role of traffic enforcement in crime control.In the wake of high-profile cases such as the Louima and Diallo cases in New York City, and questions about racial profiling in traffic enforcement, the police find themselves under intense scrutiny for alleged targeting and harassment of African-American and other minority citizens.Again, although this research was not intended to focus on the issue of policing and race, the very subject of the investigation places the findings in the middle of these issues.Additionally, this study informs a debate that has emerged given the reduction of crime in the United States during the 1990s. Specifically, to what extent do the police influence the level of crime? ... Read more

Product Description
This study examines police reform efforts in the domestic violence area of policework, taking account of the issues and debates about police organization. Although specifically focussing on policing domestic violence, the author draws on a wide range of ideas and as well as providing an insight into real-life domestic violence situations and how police deal with them. Readers are invited to assess critically the notion of "police subculture", the role of social science in the police organization and the shape and context of the institution itself. The author applies a sociologically-grounded discourse analysis to a central aspect of the police role: dealing with the instances of interpersonal violence. Sympathetic to feminist perspectives and mindful of feminist scholarship, the author raises questions about the efficacy of the social control efforts of the modern police organization directed at family violence. This text should be of interest to those concerned with scientific management techniques, the sociology of organizations (especially police organizations), the social response to violence against women and criminology more generally. ... Read more

Product Description
This challenging study explores the nature and meaning of violence in fifteenth-century England.Maddern examines violence on each side of the law, offering a subtle and intelligent analysis of its role in a society with a strong concern for order.She investigates the way their moral code was reflected in the procedures and punishments of the courts, and assesses the success of the legal system in maintaining authority and order. Based on extensive archival research, her scholarly and original study makes an important contribution to our understanding of the medieval world view. ... Read more

Product Description

The new edition of this best-selling insight into terrorism today has been fully updated and revised to include what the author terms the new ‘militant Moslem international.’

Drawing directly on the words and ideas of terrorists themselves, this book is an examination of patterns, current trends and future threats in terrorism worldwide. It explores the ideology and psychology, the politics and policies, the strategies and operations of many active small groups and major insurgencies. The terrorist leader emerges as a calculating, innovated and often well-educated person whose use of violence against the innocent is calibrated for maximum effects. The closing chapter is a stimulating discussion of the problems of counter-terrorism, making several key recommendations.

Terrorism Today will be essential reading for students of terrorism, counter-insurgency and international security.

Customer Reviews (5)

Worth Owning a Copy
I own the affordable paperback version, and I'm glad I do because this is one of the best books out there on terrorism.Sure, the writing is a little scattered with snippets or profiles of different terrorist groups to illustrate various points, but the flow is great and the insights are just at a very high level.I particularly enjoyed how the book seems to read like a series of intelligence estimates, but this is due to the author's background, I guess.It's not only a great book on terrorism, but one that a reader may come back to time and time again to get some new insight out of it.

Excellent - Readable, Rigorous and Comprehensive
The market for books on terrorism has flourished in the months following September 11th. This has been a mixed blessing. On the one hand, quality works of enduring value have had increased exposure, on the other hand we have seen a flood of books of extremely dubious merit and sensationalism. This book belongs in the first category and deserves more exposure than it has had.

Harmon (a lecturer at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College) provides a readable and wide ranging overview of his subject; with coverage of the politics and effectiveness of terrorism, terrorist groups, counter-terrorism methods and a section debunking some of the many and varied misconceptions and popular myths regarding terrorist groups. The text is scattered with thumbnail descriptions of various leading terrorist groups, terrorists and important works of literature in the terrorism canon.

This book serves as an excellent general introduction to the subject and acts as a solid foundation upon which the newcomer to the subject can build. It belongs alongside the serious academic texts on terrorism rather than the sensational journalistic mush that is now common on the shelves of mainstream book shops and yet is still readable and easy to get into.

If you only ever read one book on the general theme of terrorism you could do worse than making it this one. Undergraduate students studying terrorism should make a point of giving it a look too.

An important work
Within the broader framework of outlining the goals, motives and strategies of modern terrorist groups, Harmon documents some very specific examples of people, places and events.

This is not a catalog of terrorist groups or a chronology of individual terrorist acts.Rather, it is an in-depth look at the problem as a whole.Harmon uses examples from groups all over the world and in the process discredits such notions as "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter."

In the chapter dealing with future threats, Harmon all but predicted the events of September 11th.

Anyone interested in a scholarly look at the terrorist threat since the end of the cold war, should read this book.

great difficult subject
difficult subject explained in terms a non-Jesuit can understand.

Review by Times Literary Supplement
Terrorism authority and foreign correspondent Ronald Payne reviewed TERRORISM TODAY in the August 18, 2000 edition of the prestigious "TLS"--Times Literary Supplement (London).Payne calls this book "a masterly survey of the big picture of world violence" and "a comprehensive survey of what can be done to cope with the problem..."The book "provides many useful strategy recommendations which Western governments would do well to study.It also provides an up-to-date glossary of operational terrorist groups."-CCH ... Read more

Product Description
Although many people consider excessive police violence disconcerting, if, when, and how they voice their opinion or respond by taking some sort of action has generally remained empirically unknown. In the hope of understanding this process, Ross has developed a four-stage model, based on a review of the literature and on interviews with the relevant actors. He then uses this tool to analyze police violence that occurred in Toronto, Canada and New York City, over a fifteen-year period. To better focus the study, he uses in-depth case studies of three well-publicized cases of police violence from each city, matched on important criteria. ... Read more

Product Description
The attacks of September 11 prompted the Bush Administration to improve law enforcement and other co-ordination between the United States and European governments dealing with international terrorism. European governments have also taken measures to enhance co-operation among themselves. Most notable are European Union efforts to enhance cross-border sharing of intelligence and police information, extend the reach of warrants, and strengthen external border controls. Also, immediately following the attacks, there was an unprecedented European co-operation with the US in fighting terrorism. However, by early 2002 the emphasis placed by the Bush Administration on military action beyond Afghanistan, and on strong support for the Sharon government in Israel in its conflict with Palestine, began to raise doubts among some Europeans about the overall US approach to counter-terrorism.Discussed in this book are the efforts that the different European countries are making in response to the new threat of terrorism, as well as the concern that by supporting the Unites States' approach to terrorism, they will inevitably be helping the US pursue broader and more controversial foreign policy goals. ... Read more

Product Description
This study compares and evaluates the major policy options available to liberal democracies in their fight against terrorism. It also looks at their contribution to this fight. ... Read more

Product Description

This edited book explores how psychology can be used to improve our understanding of terrorism and counterterrorism.

This work firstly aims to provide balanced and objective insight into the psychology of terrorists; what their motivations are, what keeps them involved in terrorist groups, and what eventually forces most to end their active involvement in terrorism. Secondly, the contributors focus on the challenging issue of how to respond to terrorism. These chapters provide information for those concerned with short-term tactical problems (e.g. interviewing), as well as those looking towards the more long-term strategic questions of bringing an entire terrorist campaign to an end. Ultimately, the individuals involved in terrorism require a more complex response from society than simply a quest for their apprehension. Believing inaccurate and misleading characterizations leads inevitably to damaging policies and deficient outcomes and campaigns of violence are needlessly prolonged. It is from this perspective that the concern arises with how researchers – and the policy makers guided by them – perceive the psychology of terrorists and of terrorism.

This innovative book will be of great interest to students of terrorism and counter-terrorism, security studies, psychology and politics, as well as security professionals and military colleges.

Product Description
This book teaches police departments, paramilitary units or security companies how to organize a SWAT team that can react decisively to any crisis. Learn how to recruit, train and equip for urban or rural warfare; master hand-to-hand combat; adapt infantry tactics to civilian tasks; and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Not a good value
I bought this book about a year ago and I read through it.I initially liked the beginning as it talked about weapons.As I read on I was disappointed that this was more of an overview of operations.At the end there was PT stuff which doesn't really belong in a book for people looking to learn about SWAT tactics.
There is nothing about room entry/clearance, objects, stairs etc.This book would be useful to someone in management but not for a SWAT/Tactical practitioner.

Misleading title
Don't be mislead by the cover of this book.It is very basic and only gives you an overview of Swat Team Operations.No real in-depth coverage of the actual training and procedures.Also the book is over 10 years old, and has no good info on active shooter training.

Very Informative
This book is so full of info I'm going to have to read it again to make sure I get all of it!

Too Basic and simple
I bought this book hoping to learn the tactics used by SWAT units. I was incredibly disappointed. The author begins by trying to explain rifle platoon tactics, but he does a very poor job. Anything the author does explain, anyone who would purchase this book already knows.

Battle tactics:Not in this book
This book is horrible at best.If you follow this book you will end up injured or dead.Do not expect to find tactics or something remotely similar.The few "Tactics" they do suggest are not even remotely explained enough for a basic reader to understand.If you were in the military you will recognize what the writer was getting at, but fails to explain the concepts.I want my money back, but I wouldn't sell it to do so.I'll just burn my copy. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Workplace Violence Report, published by Federal Bureau of Investigation on June 10, 2002. The length of the article is 1907 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: III. Law enforcement's changing role.
Publication: Workplace Violence Report (Report)
Date: June 10, 2002
Publisher: Federal Bureau of Investigation
Page: 35

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
Capt. Charles Beene handled hundreds of riots, protests, parades and large celebrations during his almost three decades with the San Francisco Police Department. His commonsense approach to crowd management shows police officers how to use special tactics, equipment and training to ensure that public gatherings do not degenerate into full-blown riots, as well as how to switch instantly to a different set of tactics, equipment and training if a riot does break out. Just some of the topics covered in this complete riot manual include the seven types of crowd events that can turn into riots; the tricky science of understanding crowd dynamics; the special command structures for police commanders and frontline officers that are essential for effective crowd control; the differences in handling planned (major parades, large-scale protests) vs. spontaneous (sudden brawls, out-of-control parties) events; the serious business of dispersing crowds, performing multiple arrests and implementing other use-of-force procedures; and more. ... Read more

Product Description
In Edge of the Knife, noted authority Paul Chevigny draws on years of field research to investigate torture and the use of deadly force, in addition to less drastic forms of violence, in New York, Los Angeles, So Paulo, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and Kingston. Chevigny, author of the classic Police Power, examines the sources of official violence and offers possibilities for controlling it. What emerges from his work is an image of police violence as a reflection of the larger order of a city, and a convincing argument for persistent government action against crime--including accountability for police violence. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Security Management, published by American Society for Industrial Security on April 1, 2002. The length of the article is 1571 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: How can workplace violence be deterred? The community policing model has been successfully applied to the problem of domestic violence. The same model can be used to address workplace violence. (Viewpoint).(Column)
Author: Stephen Dohery
Publication: Security Management (Refereed)
Date: April 1, 2002
Publisher: American Society for Industrial Security
Volume: 46Issue: 4Page: 134(3)

Article Type: Column

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description

This book examines terrorism's impact on the international aviation security regime, with a focus on the role of the United States.

Tracing the historical development of the international civil aviation system, the volume examines how it has dealt with the evolving security environment caused by international terrorism. It begins by exploring the practical implications of the debates over the meaning of 'terrorism' and how the international civil aviation community developed practical solutions to avoid the debilitating debates over the concept while crafting important, if weak, international conventions. As a major civil aviation power, the United States was a predominant influence in security developments in the 1960s and 1970s, yet US civil aviation policy failed to keep pace with the changing nature of the terrorist threat. The commanding position that the United States maintains in international civil aviation provides a microcosm of the promise and perils faced by the world's sole superpower. The author examines US efforts to upgrade civil aviation security in the wake of 9/11 and the impacts of these developments on the international civil aviation system. The detailed discussion of terrorism past and present places the threat in its proper context for both the international civil aviation community and its largest individual actor, the United States.

This book will be of much interest to students of terrorism, aviation security, international security and IR in general.

John Harrison is an Assistant Professor at the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies and Head of Terrorism Research at the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research.

Product Description
Veteran street cop Loren Christensen explores one of the most frightening yet fascinating occurrences of modern society: riots. In Riot, Christensen leads you deep inside angry mobs and brings you along with the cops who clash head-to-head with them in the streets to show you in riveting detail what a riot is, how and why it happens, who participates and what it feels like to be in the middle of one. You will learn about:

• the powerful psychological influences that affect everyone involved, from street cop to bottle thrower to business owner
• typical conditions that set the stage for a major riot, and common triggers that set the violence in motion
• the many kinds of riots - race, sports, prison, political - and how they are all equally intense, destructive and deadly

Customer Reviews (1)

Mechanics of Crowd Violence Explained
Riots are frightening, fascinating, and shockingly widespread--capital material for the evening news. They can stem from almost anything, from political conventions to concerts, sporting events, jury verdicts, traffic accidents, or defamatory cartoons. If pressed, most of us can think of at least a few riots off the top of our heads: Kent State, Tiananmen Square, WTO, Watts, or the aftermath of the Rodney King incident.

Christensen takes us beyond the headlines to examine the subject up close and personal. He not only provides insight into the phenomena that can spark a riot, but also interviews participants from both sides of the law. Having worked stadium security during several sports riots and brushed up against both the Seattle WTO and Mardi Gras rampages, this reviewer can categorically state that Christensen's portrayals are authentic, unbiased, and unwavering. Let's face it, mobs are dangerous. Highly emotional and impulsive, they often erupt violently. Crowds can turn into mobs if members become indifferent to laws, choose to disregard authority, or take advantage of the perceived anonymity that a large group can provide and follow instigators into violent acts.

The author shows how five psychological influences--impersonality, anonymity, suggestion/imitation, emotional contagion, and discharge of repressed emotions--affect rioters, their targets, witnesses, and police officers who try to break things up. Fortunately these influences don't impact everyone. Unfortunately the minority who are affected can cause serious confusion, destruction and injury for everyone else. Because riots can be hard to predict and even harder to stop, it is prudent to pay careful attention to what is going on around us whenever we are part of a crowd. Even if we do sense the mood change, catch a glimpse of the opening acts, and anticipate what's coming, however, it can be very hard to force our way through the press of bodies and escape to safety.

This book truly helps readers identify danger signals and respond in a meaningful way. While law enforcement and security personnel will benefit from the information and insights, Riot is a terrific resource for everyday citizens as well.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults and Martial Arts Instruction; co-author of The Way of Kata, The Way to Black Belt, and The Little Black Book of Violence

Note: Originally reviewed in the Jan/Feb '08 edition of ForeWord Magazine ... Read more