Understanding Terrorism and Political Violence

'Highly recommended' R. G. Mainuddin, Choice 'Reading this book, it is clear that it is a labor of love. A combination of personal detail (a terrific opening section that will surprise many familiar with his previous work), literary observations, cross-disciplinary references that never feel clumsily juxtaposed, and examples drawn from across conceptual boundaries provide the reader with a richly potent stew of material to contemplate. What Gupta ultimately provides in his dynamic conceptual framework is a research agenda, rich for potential hypothesis testing. Gupta rises to the challenge laid down by Walter Reich and others in terrorism studies by moving beyond the confines of individual disciplinary perspectives, and for that alone should be praised. That he does so by providing a thoughtful, learned volume is even more reason to read this important and essential book.' John Horgan, The Pennsylvanian State University, USA 'This is probably one of the most comprehensive books that have been written on political violence and terrorism in recent years in the sense that the author is able to combine rich theory, empirical data about insurgent groups, and even first-hand experience of the phenomenon of terrorism.' Ignacio Sanchez-Cuenca, Juan March Institute, Madrid, Spain, Perspectives on Terrorism

Dipak K. Gupta is the Fred J. Hansen Professor of Peace Studies and the Distinguished Professor in Political Science at San Diego State University, California. He is author of seven books.

Foreword Martha Crenshaw. Introduction. Theories on Origins of Movements. Selfish Altruist: Modeling the Mind of a Terrorist. The Dynamics of Dissent: A Theoretical Perspective. Faith, Nationalism, and Class Warfare: Birth of a Movement. Growth of Rebellion. A Marriage Made in Hell? Terrorism and Organized Crime. Terrorism's Trap: A Winnable War? Appendix A. Appendix B