The roots of terrorism
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 134-136) and index.

With terrorism in the headlines, and the so-called war on terrorism monopolizing much of American politics today, coolheaded and informed discussion about this subject is just what concerned young adults need. This book, one of six volumes in the publisher's "Roots of Terrorism" series, takes a broad look at the causes of terrorism. Using historical and contemporary examples, the author explores why and how terrorist groups are organized, and the relationship between political and economic friction in society and the rise of terrorist organizations. Some of the most thought-provoking discussion addresses the psychological causes of terrorism, that is, what seems to go on in the minds of people who engage in terrorist activities, and the role of religion in terrorism. Moghadam, an academic at Harvard and Tufts universities, presents dispassionate yet compelling explanations and analyses of terrorists and terrorism, removing all hysteria and talk of evil empires from the conversation without, of course, suggesting that terrorism is ever justified. His conclusion is at once hopeful and sobering: The world has known and survived terrorists (of all different nationalities and religions) for millennia, and terrorism will be with us as long as people believe "that violence is the best means to achieve their goals."

7.0.

7-12.