The Economics of Terrorism / Edition 1

by Peter J. Phillips

Overview

Brutality is the defining characteristic of terrorism. It is despairing to learn that this brutality is the outcome of purposeful, rational, human behaviour. In this purposefulness, however, there lies the key to the interpretation, explanation and understanding of terrorist behaviour. Ultimately, it is in this purposefulness that we shall also find the key to overcoming terrorism. Economic analysis highlights this purposefulness, this rationality, and in doing so provides a different perspective from which to approach the threat of terrorism and the task of pre-empting and pursuing its perpetrators. This book develops this economic perspective within a series of important contexts, each characterised by particular types of terrorist behaviour, choices and strategies.

The Economics of Terrorism brings new insights on how to deal with such challenges as the terrorist group’s choice of attack method and target location, terrorist financing and ‘copycat’ behaviour.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138121911
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/21/2016
Series:	Routledge Studies in the Modern World Economy
Pages:	212
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Peter J. Phillips is Associate Professor (Finance) at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. He is the author of In Pursuit of the Lone Wolf Terrorist. His published articles apply economic analysis to the study of terrorism, and his recent journal contributions include ‘Lone Wolf Terrorism’ and ‘Prospect Theory and Terrorist Choice’ (with Gabriela Pohl).

Table of Contents

1. Contemporary Terrorism and Brutality 2. Terrorism Perpetrated by Individuals 3. Terrorist Group Brutality and the Emergence of Islamic State 4. Financing Brutality: The Rotten Kid Theorem 5. Terrorist Financing: Portfolios of fundraising and transfer methods 6. Attack Methods: How the terrorist chooses 7. Imitating the Brutality of Others 8. The Path towards Terrorism: Prudence and time delay 9. Where Will the Terrorist Attack? 10. Prospect Theory and Geographic Profiling 11. Terrorism Perpetrated by Females 12. Brutality and Survival 13. Terrorism Defines the Terrorist, Brutality Defines Terrorism

Editorial Reviews

"The Economics of Terrorism by Peter Phillips is a well-executed, ambitious work. Using clear and concise language, Dr. Phillips provides a cutting edge analysis of issues related to terrorism using both traditional economic principles as well as novel tools from emerging sub-fields, such as behavioral economics and evolutionary economics. His coverage is comprehensive, offering both a broad overview of the existing literature as well as making new contributions to the field. This book is essential reading for both established researchers and practitioners, as well as those who are new to the subject." — Timothy Mathews, Professor of Economics, Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University, USA

From the Publisher