Terrorism and the Politics of Social Change

Terrorism and political violence has invariably accompanied the progressive modernisation of states; a socio-cultural phenomenon that responds to problems of social change and development. To understand this revolt against modernity, one needs to reflect upon the nature of traditional society and how it differs from modernity. Starting with a basic history of modern terrorism, James Dingley uses a Durkheimian sociological framework to examine the problem of contemporary terrorism. Relevant to today's current political climate, James Dingley dissects the role of social relations, culture and religion in impelling men and women to behave violently in defence of their own known socio-cultural context when challenged by external forces. Placing particular emphasis on a historical and social understanding of violence and key topics such as nationalism, religion, science, the Enlightenment and Romanticism as vital issues for understanding terrorism in all its forms, James Dingley allows for a more critical examination of terrorism as a response to changes in the organisation and cultural goals in a society. Aimed at students, scholars and researchers, "Terrorism and the Politics of Social Change" is a decisive contribution to our understanding of the political and social relevance of terrorism as we know it and live it today.