Introduction : terrorism, the state and the study of political terror

Richard Jackson, Eamon Murphy, Scott Poynting

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperChapter

Abstract

It is in this context – the continuous and widespread suffering caused by persistent state terrorism and the relative lack of scholarly analysis of its nature, causes, and prevention – that we offer this collection of theoretical writings and case studies. Our aims are fairly modest but nonetheless important. First, we aim to provide a clear and unambiguous defence of the concept of state terrorism and to contribute to further theoretical development regarding the aims, nature, causes, and consequences of state uses of terrorism, both domestically and internationally. Second, we aim to provide a rich and diverse set of empirical case studies of contemporary state terrorism which can then be used to explore theoretical notions, generate new questions, and provide a resource for further research. Third, we aim to contribute to the growing critical-normative approach to the study of terrorism more broadly, and to challenge dominant approaches and perspectives which assume that states, particularly Western states, are primarily victims and not perpetrators of terrorism (Blakeley 2007). Last, the volume aims to broadly map out the current state of knowledge and suggest a future research agenda for the critically important study of state terrorism.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationContemporary State Terrorism: Theory and Practice
EditorsRichard Jackson, Eamon Murphy, Scott Poynting
Place of PublicationU.K.
PublisherRoutledge
Pages1-11
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9780203868355
ISBN (Print)9780415498012
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Keywords

  • terrorism
  • nations
  • security, international
  • internal security

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