Superterrorism: Policy Responses

This book examines the policy responses to superterrorism, suggesting that the world was not in fact turned upside down by the events of 11 September 2001, but rather that some established trends and tendencies were picked up and reinforced while others were recast.

• Examines the policy responses to superterrorism in the wake of the al-Qaeda attacks of 11 September 2001.
• Suggests that the changes that occurred as a result of this attack were in some cases continuations of established trends.
• Looks at changes in how terrorism is now viewed, the adjustments demanded of different legal systems and financial institutions, and the impact on the role of the armed forces, among other issues.

The attacks of 11 September 2001 on the United States, organised by the al-Qaeda network , were immediately described as a turning point in international history. This book examines the policy responses to superterrorism, suggesting that the world was not in fact turned upside down by the events of this day, but rather that some established trends and tendencies were picked up and reinforced while others were recast.

Leading specialists look at how terrorism is now viewed, the role of the armed forces, the responses of the European Union and NATO, the impact on the transatlantic relationship, the adjustments demanded of different legal systems and financial institutions, and how the media affected responses to these dramatic events.

Lawrence Freedman is Professor of War Studies at King's College London and Head of the School of Social Sciences and Public Policy.