Playing politics with terrorism : a users guide /
edited by George Kassimeris
- New York : Columbia University Press, 2008
- xii, 334 p.
Collection of papers describing the political responses of various governments around the world to the threat posed by terrorism. One of the fundamental functions of government is the protection of society but this must be done without undermining law and order or civil liberties. Terrorist outrages provide tempting opportunities for governments to become more autocratic or to manipulate events for political advantage. Many of the papers in this book describe the negative consequences of heavy handed or spin inspired responses, while that on Britain's long experience with the IRA shows that a more restrained approach is neither quick nor straightforward but does ultimately hold out the best hope for a peaceful solution.