Written by leading international experts on terrorist psychology, this volume offers a balanced, expert, and accessible account of the psychology of terrorists and terrorism. In providing a holistic account of the phenomenon, major topics include terrorists as individuals and as groups, the impact of terrorism, and how to respond to terrorism.

About the Editor. About the Contributors. Series Preface. Preface. PART I. THE TERRORISTS. The Search for the Terrorist Personality (John Horgan). Becoming a Terrorist (Andrew Silke). The Psychology of Hostage-Taking (Margaret Wilson). The Psychology of Cyber-Terrorism (Marc Rogers). The Psychology of Suicidal Terrorism (Andrew Silke). Leaving Terrorism Behind: An Individual Perspective (John Horgan). PART II. VICTIMS OF TERRORISM. The Psychological Impact of Isolated Acts of Terrorism (Ginny Sprang). The Psychological Impact of Protracted Campaigns of Political Violence on Societies (Orla Muldoon). Victims of Terrorism and the Media (Betty Pfefferbaum). Examining the Impact of Terrorism on Children (Deborah Browne). PART III. RESPONDING TO TERRORISM. Retaliating Against Terrorism (Andrew Silke). Terrorism and Imprisonment in Northern Ireland: A Psychological Perspective (Jacqueline Bates-Gaston). Deterring Terrorists (Karl Seger). Index.

Often disturbing, sometimes surprising and frequently disheartening, TERRORISTS, VICTIMS AND SOCIETY presents a clear and succinct view of what psychological research has revealed about terrorists and terrorism. Andrew Silke has gathered together contributions from psychologists and psychiatrists who have direct experience of researching terrorism, have met with terrorists and victims of terrorist violence, and with those responsible for combating and responding to terrorism. The result is a volume that provides a clear, intelligent and well-informed account of what psychology has learned in the past thirty years about issues relating to terrorism. It also demonstrates how one branch of social science can provide a powerful tool for insight and guidance on one of the most challenging problems facing the modern world. Essential reading for professionals in policing, security, government security agencies, forensic and legal psychology, prison and probation service and the military. It will also be important to all who are tasked with preparing for potential terrorist incidents, for example in mental health services, and a useful resource for students in psychology, criminology, politics and international relations.

“…highly recommended for its thoughtfulness and depth of scholarship…” (Australian and NZ Journal of Psychiatry, Vol 37, No 6) “…all the contributions are perceptive…would appeal to anyone interested in the processes underlying terrorism…” (Forensic Update, Jan 2004)

About the Editor. About the Contributors. Series Preface. Preface. PART I. THE TERRORISTS. The Search for the Terrorist Personality (John Horgan). Becoming a Terrorist (Andrew Silke). The Psychology of Hostage-Taking (Margaret Wilson). The Psychology of Cyber-Terrorism (Marc Rogers). The Psychology of Suicidal Terrorism (Andrew Silke). Leaving Terrorism Behind: An Individual Perspective (John Horgan). PART II. VICTIMS OF TERRORISM. The Psychological Impact of Isolated Acts of Terrorism (Ginny Sprang). The Psychological Impact of Protracted Campaigns of Political Violence on Societies (Orla Muldoon). Victims of Terrorism and the Media (Betty Pfefferbaum). Examining the Impact of Terrorism on Children (Deborah Browne). PART III. RESPONDING TO TERRORISM. Retaliating Against Terrorism (Andrew Silke). Terrorism and Imprisonment in Northern Ireland: A Psychological Perspective (Jacqueline Bates-Gaston). Deterring Terrorists (Karl Seger). Index.