Old and New Terrorism

Peter Neumann is Director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence (ICSR) at King's College London.

"Advances our understanding of terrorism, its costs and its consequences considerably."International Affairs "It is to be recommended for its careful modesty of approach (and its brevity)." John Lloyd, Financial Times"A timely book that helps the reader and scholars of terrorism define and differentiate what was and is the threat of terrorism. The book is recommended for all who want a clearer understanding of the nature of terrorism."Choice"This book is suitable for everybody who wants to understand the basic principles and driving forces behind current terrorist groups as well as those wishing to in-depth knowledge of the history of terrorism. Despite the complexity of the evidence about the gradual changes that have led to a transformation in the phenomenon of terrorism, the overall thesis of the book is easy to comprehend, and all arguments are easy to follow. "Central European Journal of International and Security Studies"Peter Neumann has synthesized an enormous amount of literature on terrorism to arrive at a concise, clear and stimulating account of the evolving nature of terrorist groups from the IRA to Al Qaeda. Really excellent."Peter Bergen, CNN terrorism analyst and author of Holy War, Inc., and The Osama bin Laden I Know"Peter Neumann's explanation of religiously inspired terrorism in terms of the dynamics caused by late modernity and globalization is well-substantiated and compelling. His analysis is essential reading for all those concerned to understand the terrifying prospect of further terrorist attacks of extreme brutality against civilian targets and how that risk might be reduced."Sir David Omand, Tony Blair's Security Intelligence Coordinator"[T]his is a useful and concise volume which summarizes some of the recent debates in the terrorism research in a clear and concise way."Perspectives on Terrorism"This valuable book supports the fundamental conclusion that the most threatening terrorism the West will face in the twenty-first century is global and truly novel - the results of the latest wave of globalization, its discontents, and its empowering technologies. I strongly endorse these important conclusions and Peter Neumann's persuasive and eloquent arguments for them."Philip Bobbitt, Columbia University, and author of Terror and Consent

• Chapter 1Introduction Chapter 2Old and New TerrorismChapter 3Holy War Inc.? The Emergence Transnational Terror NetworksChapter 4From Marx to Mohammed? Religion and TerrorismChapter 5Dying to Kill? The Rise of Mass-Casualty TerrorismChapter 6Confronting the New Terrorism