Understanding terrorism : psychosocial roots, consequences, and interventions /

This volume brings together 19 scholars and practitioners seeking to explore the psychological roots and tragic consequences of terrorism, particularly the cataclysmic attacks of September 11, 2001. It is divided into three sections, moving from broad conceptual discussions about collective life to more specific studies about psychological processes and practical issues of coping with terrorism. The authors share a common commitment to understanding cultural variations in worldviews and orientations and a recognition that terrorism cannot be defeated as long as there are real or perceived threats and injustices that trigger hatred and the motivation to seek revenge. The most insightful topics address the difficulty of defining terrorism, causal factors, social construction, moral disengagement, psychological impact, prevention, and social consequences of terrorism. Two good chapters on the Middle East shed considerable light on Islamist terrorism, and an excellent chapter treats genocide and mass killing. The authors should be congratulated for bringing a much-needed psychological perspective to explaining and responding to acts of political violence. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Social psychologists, political scientists, therapists, and students. All levels. R. H. Dekmejian University of Southern California