Debating Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Conflicting Perspectives on Causes, Contexts, and Responses

With original contributions from some of the most prominent academics and professionals on terrorism and counterterrorism, Stuart Gottliebs debate-style reader will compel your students to wrestle with the conflicting perspectives that define the field. Unlike other volumes in which readings talk past one another, Debating Terrorism and Counterterrorism features brief paired pro and con essays written specifically for the book that directly address the urgent questions surrounding terrorism.

The essays address both theoretical questions and pragmatic concerns including:

• How significant a threat is nuclear terrorism? 
• Is poverty a root cause of terrorism? 
• Is suicide terrorism an effective tactic?
• Does Islam play a unique role in religious terrorism?
• Can the spread of democracy defeat terrorism? 
• Must security come at the expense of civil liberties?

An incisive introduction and useful chapter headnotes from the editor provide students with necessary context and prepare them to read each argument critically, allowing them to understand the past, present, and future of terrorism and counterterrorism.

Stuart Gottlieb is director of policy studies at the MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies at Yale University, where he teaches advanced courses on American foreign policy and counterterrorism. He formerly served as a senior foreign policy advisor and speechwriter in the United States Senate (19992003), and continues to advise political and business leaders on issues relating to foreign policy and terrorism. Gottlieb received his Ph.D. in international relations from Columbia University, and is an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.