Communicating Terror

The Rhetorical Dimensions of Terrorism

It delivered what it advertised, but overall it was far less comprehensive than what I wanted for my course.

Bizarely perhaps but Northern ireland has very much moved into a post conflict mode with a broad consensus on the way forward that is subscribed to by the vast majority of former combatants as well as the general public. The dissident groups who are scattered and divided have yet to present a coherent strategy beyond trying to sabotage the peace, instigate reprisals and compete among themselves for leadership. We are coming to the realisation that the Northern ireland experience itself is losing general relevance particularly in terms of being a model for terrorism studies. The IRA was to the forefront in terms of tactics,political agitation and the use of media from the late 1960s and was adept at using specific issues to mobilise support and focus the movement's energy. the dissident groups have not mastered these skills in any substantial way; make little innovative use of modern communications and social media. Their target audience is very much its own local community while it has shown little interest in reaching an international audience. Were we to reconstitute this course to a wider study of terrorism I would recommend the Tuman book.

An excellent source of which the chapter on the struggle to define terrorism assists students in understanding there is a conflict between legal and sociological definitions is one of the key strengths of the book.

This book lays foundational concepts in understanding terror rhetoric from multiple points of view.

I will also use this book for reference material in the teaching of my Terrorism class next semester. Thank you very much for the assistance of accquiring a sample teachers book.