What Do We Know about Terrorism?

A student-friendly, state of the discipline overview of terrorism research from the field's leading thinkers

Terrorism—political violence against civilians meant to inspire fear in a wider audience, usually carried out by non-state actors—has occurred for millennia and has been studied seriously by researchers since at least the 1970s. The attacks of September 11, 2001, and subsequent wars have brought a considerable amount of attention to the topic in the ensuing decades. What Do We Know about Terrorism? addresses these developments, engaging with key topics such as definitions of terrorism, terrorism and social media, terrorism in civil war, and deradicalization. Timely chapters from top scholars in the field introduce students to major datasets and puzzles that guide current and future research in terrorism studies, defining the unique characteristics of terrorism compared to other forms of political violence.

The blend of empirical research findings, theoretical innovation, and grounded cases and examples gives students a holistic understanding of this crucial area of political science and international relations. Brian Phillips compiles in this volume the most important insights into what scholars know about terrorism and encourages students and academics alike to be part of this scholarly conversation.