This book is an attempt to clarify the often murky connections between terrorism, terrorists, and terror. It is designed for the general educated audience interested in recent events, the history leading up to them, and the prospects for dealing with the after effects. Using personal accounts from people who have lived through various forms of terror (survivors of the Dresden fire bombing, Hiroshima, the 9/11 attacks, and others) the book explores terror and its use as a weapon. Providing a unique perspective on terrorism, the book places current events within the broader context necessary to understand how we got here and where we are going.

"Terror and terrorism are today parts of our human condition. But as opposed to certain others, some called "experts on terrorism", who in their pre-enlightenment ways only talk about evil and hatred and war on terrorism, Webel in the best tradition of our civilization tries to understand the phenomenon. And in doing so he also examines terrorism by the state, like the terrorist killing of tens of thousand in Dresden.The book is a must for those who want to understand, not only pontificate" - Johan Galtung, Professor of Peace Studies, Director TRANSCEND

"Charles Webel has provided a stunning analysis of terror in terms of its psychological, social, and political impact. He also has important important ideas about how to confront it. This is a major work that forces us to deal with our fears and the politicians who prey upon them." - Stephen Eric Bronner, Rutgers University

Autorentext
CHARLES P. WEBEL has taught social science and philosophy at the University of Berkeley, Saybrook Graduate School, and Harvard University, USA. He is series editor of Twenty-First Century Perspectives on War, Peace, and Human Conflict.

Inhalt
Introduction: What are Terror and Terrorism? A Brief History of Terror and Terrorism The Multiple Levels of Terror The Victims of Terror and Terrorism Individual and Collective Responses to Terror and Terrorism Terror, Terrorism, and the Human Condition Conclusion: The Future of Terror and Terrorism