The Foundations of Modern Terrorism: State, Society and the Dynamics of Political Violence

Miller's book looks to investigate modern terrorism in relation to the state. A key point is the conception of terrorism as illegitimate and illegal violence, while similar state actions are considered legitimate. He sees terrorists contesting the legitimacy of state violence with their own, when they think other means of redress will be ineffective. Miller argues the French Revolution as the major turning point which, through its rejection of monarchy and embrace of human equality and state representation of the people, raised questions around state vs non-state, and legitimate vs illegitimate uses of violence.Miller starts with the Revolution, but also includes chapters on terrorism in the 19th c. Tsarist & revolutionary struggles, late 19th c. European nationalism & anarchism, the United States, the Soviet Union & Nazi Germany, and the global Cold War.Not the first book to read on terrorism, but a good one that explores the legitimacy of state vs non-state violence.

Was it State Terrorism, or was it individual/group terrorism? The answer is vague but it would seem that the progenitor is state terrorism leads to individual/group acts of retaliatory terrorism. That would be consistent with the conclusions of another book I read years ago: "What Terrorists Want." In the end the whole issue is about power, and the exercise of power. You have it and misuse it so I want to take it from you and when I'm in power I may well use terror as a way to maintain my power, or I might not. Power may, or may not, corrupt but as Robert Caro noted: "Power reveals." Terrorism is but one reveal that tells us about the person with or aspiring to power. I left this book a bit depressed over the state of humanity but hopeful that perhaps we can regain the disgust for terror as a means to power and reclaim the "Golden Rule" - Do not do to others that which you would not have done to you.

Not only is Miller's deep knowledge of history extremely impressive but, although this is a scholarly endeavour, the presentation reads like a novel. The author chronologically traces the origins of terrorism, both from the perspective of terrorism from 'above' and 'below, so that one comes to understand the relevance of extreme forms of resistance in today's world. Anyone who believes that eruptions of violence are endemic to the present time, must read this illuminating description of an element of our human existence that is an on-going part of the story of mankind.

This is neither informative or objective. Miller's work is not objective and deeply reflects his bias. It makes far too many excuses for those who turn to violence towards the innocent. Save your money.

An excellent book to understand "terrorism" in today's world. It is a great read for anyone interested in contemporary political violence.

This is an amazing book to anyone interested in the history, origins, development and future of terrorism. Highly recommend