An accessible examination of the dynamic inter-relationship between the phenomena of terrorism and the contemporary response at the national, regional and global level. This topical study is divided into two main sections. The first considers the contemporary study of terrorism, with new forms of terrorism (super-terrorism, cyber-terrorism and global networks) and examines these new threats in relation to previous challenges to state authority from extreme political violence. The second section of the book provides an initial overview of traditional and contemporary responses to terrorism, highlighting how qualitative changes have taken place in counter-terrorist strategies and practice (from criminal to military, from reactive to pre-emptive action, from multi-lateral to unilateral) within the new global security climate. The authors provide critical analyses of case studies within the EU's regional response, the USA's uniliberal response, as well as the UN's unique multi-lateral role in monitoring and supporting increased state capacities. Understanding Contemporary Terrorism and the Global Response will be of key interest to students and researchers in the fields of security studies, terrorism, political science and international relations.
