This chapter gives a basic overview of the field of terrorism studies. It looks at attempts to define the boundaries of terrorism as a subject. It traces the evolution of orthodox terrorism studies since the 1970s. The term terrorism was first coined during the French Revolution. Terrorism sparks powerful images of sudden, disruptive, and system-shaking political violence. The academic study of terrorism as it exists now reflects the shifting concerns of both governments and the public. Scolarship on terrorism has never been richer and more diverse than it is now. New research opportunties always raise new challenges so it will be interesting to see the field of terrorism studies evolve even further in the future.
Chapter
2. What Are Terrorism Studies?
Tim Wilson
Chapter
6. Two-Level Games
This chapter looks into how a two-level games approach integrates international and domestic factors into a single analytical framework to explain foreign policy. It raises the argument of governments needing to simultaneously navigate international and domestic incentives and pressures when they formulate foreign policy. The two-level games approach views governments as the main strategic actors in foreign policy while being constrained by the requirement to obtain domestic ratification. The chapter then considers the perspective of the two-level games approach on international cooperation and the international bargaining power of governments. It mentions that future research on the approach should look at the determinants of government win-sets.
Chapter
11. Can Terrorism Be Rational?
Max Abrahms
This chapter looks into the rationality of terrorism. It starts off by looking into the paradox of terrorism. Political scientists typically view terrorists as rational political actors. However, empirical research on terrorism suggests that terrorism is in fact an ineffective political tactic. Evidence indicates that in instances where there has been terrorist attacks on civilians, governments rarely grant concessions. This might explain why terrorism is often selected as a tactic only if alternative options are no longer viable. The chapter uses Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State as case studies to examine broader patterns of terrorism. Knowing the priority of terrorists is vital for governments when considering counterterrorism actions. Having an understanding of the grievances of terrorists helps political actors predict which targets the terrorists will attack.
