Synopsis
People around the world live in fear of terrorism. Once thought of as a regional issue, the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., as well as the bombings in Madrid and London showed that terrorism is a global problem. Never has a clear understanding of the phenomenon of terrorism been more important, yet never has one seemed so elusive. What is terrorism? Who are the terrorists? Why do they do what they do? These and other questions must be answered before the nations of the world can formulate effective counterterrorism strategies. Global Extremism and Terrorism brings together articles and essays that break down and explore these pressing issues.
Children's Literature
We live in an age when terrorism, or the threat of it, is part and parcel of daily life. As the days and months since 9/11 pass by, it is easy to forget the price of hatred. Yet, it is important for people all across the globe to reflect on key questions. What is terrorism and where does it come from? Why are some people so filled with anger that they must strike out in extreme ways? What strategies should be used to oppose extremism and terrorism? Who is responsible for the root branch reasons why people turn to such seemingly destructive pathways? Global Extremism and Terrorism is one of three books in the illustrated "The World in Focus" series. In this informative and thought-provoking work, editor David C. Davenport has compiled a series of well-written and copiously researched essays dealing with selected themes in this subject area. In these essays readers encounter many answers to the questions noted above. Additionally, food for thought on a vast array of topics linked to terrorism and extremism is posited to readers. This is a powerful collection and one that adolescents and adults can benefit from in an age when extremist behavior is spawned and spawns ever greater suffering. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck