"This book makes uncomfortable reading both in its detailed analysis of terrorism and its causes, and in the critique of state responses, particularly in modern times. It is unusual to have such a defence of a 'human rights framework' from a counter-terrorism practitioner rather than from within the legal fraternity. It is this that makes the case even more persuasive. All who are involved in counter-terrorism strategy should consider carefully the arguments put forward." Global Policy Journal For more than 150 years, Nationalist, Populist, Marxist and Islamist terrorists have all been remarkably consistent and explicit about their aims: Provoke the State into over-reacting to the threat they pose, then take advantage of the divisions in society that result. Faced with a major terrorist threat, States seem to reach instinctively for the most coercive tools in their arsenal and, in doing so, risk exacerbating the situation. This policy response seems to be driven in equal parts by a lack of understanding of the true nature of the threat, an exaggerated faith in the use of force, and a lack of faith that democratic values are sufficiently flexible to allow for an effective counter-terrorism response. Drawing on a wealth of data from both historical and contemporary sources, Avoiding the Terrorist Trap addresses common misconceptions underpinning flawed counter-terrorist policies, identifies the core strategies that guide terrorist operations, consolidates the latest research on the underlying drivers of terrorist violence, and demonstrates how a comprehensive and coherent counter-terrorism strategy grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law is the only truly effective approach to defeating terrorism. Sample Chapter(s) Introduction Contents: Introduction A Not-So-Secret Formula: Asymmetrical Warfare Attrition Propaganda by Deed The Revolutionary Prototype The Concept of Martyrdom Provoking an Overreaction Polarization Building Legitimacy The Centrality of Popular Support Conclusion Social Science and Violent Extremism: Empathy Dehumanization Backlash Self-Actualization Youth Bulge Burn Out Social Networks Socialization Framing Narratives Poverty Relative Deprivation and Social Exclusion Political Opportunity Government Aggression Micromobilization Precipitating Incidents Conclusion Countering Terrorism Within a Human Rights Framework: Terrorism and International Law Defining Terrorism in International Law Terrorism and International Human Rights Law Non-State Actors and Human Rights Putting Human Rights at the Heart of Counter-Terrorism Community Engagement Community-Oriented Policing Early Intervention Programs Proscribing Hate Speech and Extremist Organizations Special Investigation Techniques The Right to Privacy Human Intelligence Operations Surveillance Operations Investigative Interviewing The Presumption of Innocence Human Rights Compliant interviews Torture Detention Regimes The Right to Liberty and Due Process The Humane Treatment of Prisoners Prisoners of War and Enemy Combatants Deradicalization Programs Using Force Maintaining Public Order The Right to Life Targeted Killing Conclusion
"This book makes uncomfortable reading both in its detailed analysis of terrorism and its causes, and in the critique of state responses, particularly in modern times. It is unusual to have such a defence of a 'human rights framework' from a counter-terrorism practitioner rather than from within the legal fraternity. It is this that makes the case even more persuasive. All who are involved in counter-terrorism strategy should consider carefully the arguments put forward." Global Policy Journal For more than 150 years, Nationalist, Populist, Marxist and Islamist terrorists have all been remarkably consistent and explicit about their aims: Provoke the State into over-reacting to the threat they pose, then take advantage of the divisions in society that result. Faced with a major terrorist threat, States seem to reach instinctively for the most coercive tools in their arsenal and, in doing so, risk exacerbating the situation. This policy response seems to be driven in equal parts by a lack of understanding of the true nature of the threat, an exaggerated faith in the use of force, and a lack of faith that democratic values are sufficiently flexible to allow for an effective counter-terrorism response. Drawing on a wealth of data from both historical and contemporary sources, Avoiding the Terrorist Trap addresses common misconceptions underpinning flawed counter-terrorist policies, identifies the core strategies that guide terrorist operations, consolidates the latest research on the underlying drivers of terrorist violence, and demonstrates how a comprehensive and coherent counter-terrorism strategy grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law is the only truly effective approach to defeating terrorism. Sample Chapter(s) Introduction Contents: Introduction A Not-So-Secret Formula: Asymmetrical Warfare Attrition Propaganda by Deed The Revolutionary Prototype The Concept of Martyrdom Provoking an Overreaction Polarization Building Legitimacy The Centrality of Popular Support Conclusion Social Science and Violent Extremism: Empathy Dehumanization Backlash Self-Actualization Youth Bulge Burn Out Social Networks Socialization Framing Narratives Poverty Relative Deprivation and Social Exclusion Political Opportunity Government Aggression Micromobilization Precipitating Incidents Conclusion Countering Terrorism Within a Human Rights Framework: Terrorism and International Law Defining Terrorism in International Law Terrorism and International Human Rights Law Non-State Actors and Human Rights Putting Human Rights at the Heart of Counter-Terrorism Community Engagement Community-Oriented Policing Early Intervention Programs Proscribing Hate Speech and Extremist Organizations Special Investigation Techniques The Right to Privacy Human Intelligence Operations Surveillance Operations Investigative Interviewing The Presumption of Innocence Human Rights Compliant interviews Torture Detention Regimes The Right to Liberty and Due Process The Humane Treatment of Prisoners Prisoners of War and Enemy Combatants Deradicalization Programs Using Force Maintaining Public Order The Right to Life Targeted Killing Conclusion
