Terrorism and Counterterrorism (PDF)

Focusing on the phenomenon of terrorism in the age of ISIS/ISIL, Terrorism and Counterterrorism investigates this form of political violence in an international and American context and in light of new and historical trends. In this comprehensive and highly readable text, renowned expert Brigitte Nacos clearly defines terrorism's diverse causes, actors, and strategies; outlines anti- and counterterrorist responses; and highlights terrorism's relationship with the public and media. Terrorism and Counterterrorism introduces students to the field's main debates and helps them critically assess our understanding of, and our strategies for, addressing this complex and enduring issue.

New to the Sixth Edition:

• Additions to terrorist developments since 2016, including the rise and decline of ISIS in Iraq and Syria.


• A significant expansion of the analysis of intelligence gathering and the growth of the U.S. intelligence community in the post-9/11 era.


• Discussion of increasing activities of extremist groups in the so-called alt-right and the ANTIFA movement in the U.S. and abroad.


• More explanations for the making of terrorists, including rational choice theory and new research revealing childhood trauma as a risk factor.


• An enlarged chapter on women and children in terrorism to include suicide missions as family projects.


• A new section on human rights violations in counterterrorism.