Debating Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Foreword About the Editor Contributors Preface Acknowledgments PART I: DEBATING TERRORISM Chapter 1: Is the “New Terrorism” Really New? NO: The “new terrorism” linked with the emergence of al-Qaeda is not so new. Alexander Spencer YES: Al-Qaeda sparked an entirely “new” type of terrorism. Rohan Gunaratna Chapter 2: Does Poverty Serve as a Root Cause of Terrorism? NO: Poverty is a weak causal link. James A. Piazza YES: Poverty is an important adjacent cause. Karin von Hippel Chapter 3: Can Terrorism Ever Be Justified? NO: Terrorist violence is never justified. Tamar Meisels YES: Terrorists offer clear justifications for their violence. Julie Norman Chapter 4: Is Far-Right Terrorism a Greater Threat than Islamist Militancy? YES: Far-right extremism has surpassed militant jihadism as a primary terrorism concern. Mitch Silber NO: Islamist militancy remains the number-one terror threat. Lorenzo Vidino Chapter 5: Is Suicide Terrorism an Effective Tactic? YES: Suicide terrorism is a pragmatic choice. Gordon McCormick NO: Suicide terrorism is a political failure. Max Abrahms Chapter 6: Is Nuclear Terrorism a Real Threat? YES: The threat is very real. Stephen Flynn & Jessica Stern NO: The threat is overblown. Susan Martin PART II: DEBATING COUNTERTERRORISM Chapter 7: Counterterrorism Strategies: Do We Need Bombs Over Bridges? NO: There is a need to focus more on non-military solutions. Brigitte Nacos YES:More creative military strategies are needed. Michael Rubin Chapter 8: Can Spreading Democracy Help Defeat Terrorism? NO: Democracy promotion is problematic as a counterterrorism priority. F. Gregory Gause III YES: Promoting democracy can help combat terrorism. Danielle Pletka Chapter 9: Can International Organizations Make a Difference in Fighting Terrorism? NO: International organizations are limited in their ability to combat terrorism. Zachary Shirkey YES: International organizations are necessary for fighting international terrorism. Bruce Cronin Chapter 10: Are Armed Drones an Effective Tool in Combating Terrorism? NO: Drones represent a failed counterterrorism approach. Audrey Kurth Cronin YES: Drones are a critical hi-tech tool in combating globalized terror movements. Asfandyar Mir Chapter 11: Counterterrorism and the Constitution: Does Providing Security Require a Trade-Off with Civil Liberties? YES: The United States needs to reasonably limit civil liberties and bolster executive powers. John Yoo NO: Respecting civil liberties and preventing executive overreach are critical to preserving America’s security and its ideals. David Cole Chapter 12: Conclusions: Is the Threat of Terrorism Overblown? YES: The threat of terrorism is overblown and more manageable than suspected. John Mueller NO: The threat is profound and will remain so for some time. Walter Laqueur Notes Index