Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies: Comparing Theory and Practice

One of the defining issues of our age, terrorism frequently makes headlines as governments, private businesses, and ordinary citizens find themselves at risk or under attack. But what is the nature of this threat, and what can be done about it?

Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies examines the essence of terrorism as an instrument to achieve certain goals and explores our difficulties in defining the very concept itself. The volume also provides an overview of current (counter)terrorism studies and discusses policy implications. The resulting recommendations will be valuable for limiting terrorism’s impact and reducing the threat to global peace, security, and stability.

Edwin Bakker is professor of terrorism studies and director of the Centre for Terrorism and Counterterrorism at Leiden University, as well as a fellow at the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism in The Hague.