'The Conversation' Category Archive

Understanding the Strategic Model — The Dominant Post-9/11 Paradigm on Terrorism

by Max Abrahms
The Conversation
March 1st, 2010

Terrorism research focuses on three main questions. First, what are the consequences of terrorism? Second, what are the causes of terrorism? And third, what is the optimal government response to terrorism? These key questions are inherently interconnected because it is generally accepted that the outcome of terrorism reveals its appeal, which [...]

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Will the Real Straw Man Please Stand Up?

by Risa Brooks
The Conversation
February 25th, 2010

Thanks very much to my colleagues, Dr. Hillyard and Dr. Pillar, for their responses to my discussion of the underlying causes of terrorist violence. I welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation.
Let me begin with Pillar’s rejoinder. He claims that in my effort to raise questions about the effects of socioeconomic factors and democracy on [...]

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Terrorism Involves Methods, Not Objectives

by Paul Pillar
The Conversation
February 24th, 2010

I am still at a loss, even after reading Paddy Hillyard’s thoughtful reply to all the response essays, just what actions by the United States constitute the supporting, sponsoring, and perpetration of terrorist incidents. I’m not saying there have never been any, but Hillyard does not identify specific actions, only locales. Nor does [...]

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Does Terrorism Really Pay Politically?

by Max Abrahms
The Conversation
February 23rd, 2010

If the conventional wisdom is correct that terrorism pays politically, then blowing up civilians is perfectly rational political behavior, and deterring aggrieved groups therefore rests on issuing moral appeals to depraved leaders such as Osama bin Laden. Fortunately, terrorism is a suboptimal political tactic, arming governments with a ready-made message to deter the aggrieved [...]

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