Counterterrorism Between the Wars

Overall, Counterterrorism between the Wars is an interesting and well-researched book, illuminating important and understudied features of the international political system of the interwar decades. It is well worth a read by those seeking to understand why the victors of World War I failed to establish a viable world order in the aftermath of their defeat of the Central Powers. * Ross Kennedy, H-Net *
Fluidly written, prodigiously researched, and cogently argued, Counterterrorism Between the Wars succinctly tells a story that has long awaited telling. . . . A must-read history of power-held versus power-sought. * Richard Immerman, Emeritus Marvin Wachman Director, Temple University Center for the Study of Force and Diplomacy *
This fascinating, exhaustively researched exploration of the complex interaction between terrorist violence, counterterrorism, the international arms race, and state-sponsored terrorism between 1919 and 1937 fills a crucial gap in the historical literature. Moreover, by pointing out parallels between the present-day, seemingly insoluble, dilemmas posed by terrorism and those of the interwar period, the author adds greatly to the significance of this very impressive book. * Richard Bach Jensen, author of The Battle against Anarchist Terrorism: An International History 1878-1934 *
Mary Barton recovers a forgotten side of the interwar period, an explosion of global terrorism sparked by a combustible mix of surplus weapons, nationalist movements, and state-sponsored violence. Her rigorously researched, perceptive analysis of the Great Powers' responses illuminates the origins as well as the limits of international counterterrorism efforts today. * Katherine Unterman, Associate Professor of History, Texas A&M University *
Counterterrorism Between the Wars is a shocking behind-the scenes tale of global assassinations. Drawing back the veil on a secretive world, Mary Barton reveals, for the first time, the international diplomacy triggered by the death and destruction dealt out by the world's first truly international terrorists. Based on impressive research in numerous archives, Counterterrorism Between the Wars contains many lessons for the present era and constitutes essential reading for both historians and policy-makers alike. * Richard Aldrich, Professor of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick *
A fascinating and insightful analysis of the modern roots of international counter-terrorism operations. This is applied history at its best. Scholars and practitioners alike should give it a close read for its many insights * Michael S. Neiberg, author of The Path to War: How the First World War Created Modern America *
The history presented in this book is well worth knowing and building upon. * Jonathan W. Daly, University of Illinois at Chicago, Journal of Modern History *
Barton's book makes valuable contributions to the study of terrorism. She illuminates an era of the history of terrorism that scholars have long overlooked and integrates counterterrorism into the established narrative of postwar efforts at international law and cooperation. Scholars of arms control, terrorism, the League of Nations, and interwar geopolitics will find this study particularly worthwhile. * Joseph D. Stieb, H-War *