Terrorism and Political Violence

Terrorism is violence which seeks to influence a wider audience, and the use of terror and political violence has always been a feature of human history and behaviour. During this course we will look at different and varied forms of terrorism from the more conventional (ideological, ethnic and religious) to more recent expressions of terrorist activities: eco-terrorism, gender-related terrorism and the current rise of far-right violence. We will consider terrorism in historical context, from a psychological and sociological point of view and as political action which can be directed against a state, or be promoted by the state. The course will also study the processes of radicalisation and the myths of martyrdom, and how states and societies have responded to the threat of terrorism.