Terrorism, Democracy, and Human Security: A Communication Model (Political Violence) Paperback – 16 Mar. 2021 by Ronald Crelinsten

This book examines the relationship between terrorism and counterterrorism and how it operates within the broader context of communication, control, power, and democratic governance at the national, international, and transnational level. A culmination of decades of research on the challenges that liberal democracies face in dealing with terrorism, this work provides an innovative framework that maps out the broader context in which terrorism and counterterrorism interact and co-evolve - the terrorism-counterterrorism nexus. In a series of models moving from local to global perspectives, the framework places this nexus within the broader context of social, cultural, political, and economic life. This framework provides a tool for maintaining situational awareness in a multi-tiered, networked world where geography and history are splintering into a rainbow of perspectives and locales, revealing the contested nature of space and time themselves. This book will be of much interest to students of political violence, terrorism studies, communication studies, and international relations, as well as security professionals. Review: 'An expansive and thought-provoking deep dive into the essential significance of terrorism and counterterrorism as messengers for larger social, geo-political and global issues. Crelinsten bores through surface assertions about politically and socially motivated cycles of violence and argues convincingly in favor of good governance, global awareness, and multi-faceted approaches to human security. The book maps out a vision for the future in which a fuller understanding of the complex nature of violence and responses to it can build a more stable, resourceful, and secure future.'--Karen J. Greenberg, Fordham University, USA 'This is a timely and powerful book - a must read. Crelinsten provides an innovative and nuanced approach to understanding and responding to terrorism and counter-terrorism in an increasingly complex and globalized world. The book's breadth, scope, and compelling arguments will provoke both thought and emotion, encouraging new and effective ways to respond to an enduring issue. This impressive book is at the vanguard of scholarship on terrorism and counter-terrorism.'-- Myriam Denov, McGill University, Canada 'Ron Crelinsten is a master at explaining the context of terrorism and social control. He artfully shows that how we talk and communicate about terrorism reflects dominant assumptions about social order and political influence. This book works!'--David Altheide, Arizona State University, USA 'Once more Ronald Crelinsten clearly lays out that terrorism needs to be understood in a multispectral manner. With this new book, he enables the reader to better understand the interdependence between terrorism and economic, social, cultural and political life, specifically within a communication context. The framework developed over the course of the book gives an excellent example of how to avoid thinking about terrorism only in selective ways. Based on nearly half a century of research in the field and as one of the foremost scholars in it, Ronald Crelinsten furthermore underlines his model with a number of historic examples, which others might have already forgotten in today's fast world. A very recommended read - not only for those "combatting" terrorism - to widen the scope and be able to address other important factors which influence the use of violence in social and political life.'--LTC Alex Brand, (former) NATO Centre of Excellence, Defence Against Terrorism Concept & Policy Branch Head 'If you are interested in understanding the dilemmas of liberal democracies in the face of terrorism, this book will offer you the most comprehensive account. For over four decades, Professor Ronald Crelinsten has led the academic research on counter-terrorism. "Terrorism, Democracy and Human Security: A Communication Model" is a tour de force that brings together Professor Crelinsten's entire body of work and offers new insights into one of the most complex and persistent issues on the global agenda. This brilliant book is a must-read.'--Ami Pedahzur, The University of Texas at Austin, USA