Symbolism In Terrorism: Motivation, Communication, And Behavior
by Jonathan Matusitz /
2014 / English / EPUB
1.2 MB Download
The symbolic value of targets is what differentiates
terrorism from other forms of extreme violence. Terrorism is
designed to inflict deep psychological wounds on an enemy rather
than demolish its material ability to fight. The September 11, 2001
attacks, for example, demonstrated the power of symbolism. The
World Trade Center was targeted by Al Qaeda because the Twin Towers
epitomized Western civilization, U.S. imperialism, financial
success, modernity, and freedom.
The symbolic value of targets is what differentiates
terrorism from other forms of extreme violence. Terrorism is
designed to inflict deep psychological wounds on an enemy rather
than demolish its material ability to fight. The September 11, 2001
attacks, for example, demonstrated the power of symbolism. The
World Trade Center was targeted by Al Qaeda because the Twin Towers
epitomized Western civilization, U.S. imperialism, financial
success, modernity, and freedom.
The symbolic character of terrorism is the focus of this textbook.
A comprehensive analysis, it incorporates descriptions,
definitions, case studies, and theories. Each chapter focuses on a
specific dimension of symbolism in terrorism and explains the
contexts and processes that involve the main actors as well as the
symbolism of both the purposes and targets of terrorism. Also
discussed are new religious movements, which represent another
important aspect of terrorism, such as Aum Shinrikyo, the Japanese
cult that used sarin gas in the Tokyo subway in 1995.
The symbolic character of terrorism is the focus of this textbook.
A comprehensive analysis, it incorporates descriptions,
definitions, case studies, and theories. Each chapter focuses on a
specific dimension of symbolism in terrorism and explains the
contexts and processes that involve the main actors as well as the
symbolism of both the purposes and targets of terrorism. Also
discussed are new religious movements, which represent another
important aspect of terrorism, such as Aum Shinrikyo, the Japanese
cult that used sarin gas in the Tokyo subway in 1995.
Over forty areas of symbolism are covered throughout the chapters,
including physical and non-physical symbolism, linguistic
symbolism, the social construction of reality, rituals, myths,
performative violence, iconoclasm, brand management, logos,
semiotics, new media, and the global village. This allows for an
in-depth examination of many issues, such as anti-globalization,
honor killing, religious terrorism, suicide terrorism, martyrdom,
weapons, female terrorism, public communication, visual motifs, and
cyberspace. Main concepts are clearly defined, and followed by
theory illustrated by international case studies. Chapter
summaries, key points, review questions, research and practice
suggestions are recurring components as well. This groundbreaking
text encompasses all major aspects of symbolism in terrorism and
will be an essential resource for anyone studying
terrorism.
Over forty areas of symbolism are covered throughout the chapters,
including physical and non-physical symbolism, linguistic
symbolism, the social construction of reality, rituals, myths,
performative violence, iconoclasm, brand management, logos,
semiotics, new media, and the global village. This allows for an
in-depth examination of many issues, such as anti-globalization,
honor killing, religious terrorism, suicide terrorism, martyrdom,
weapons, female terrorism, public communication, visual motifs, and
cyberspace. Main concepts are clearly defined, and followed by
theory illustrated by international case studies. Chapter
summaries, key points, review questions, research and practice
suggestions are recurring components as well. This groundbreaking
text encompasses all major aspects of symbolism in terrorism and
will be an essential resource for anyone studying
terrorism.