Criminologists on Terrorism and Homeland Security

"Criminologists have long been interested in the processes of making laws, of breaking laws, and of reacting toward the breaking of laws. Yet, most of the time, the concern has been around street crimes, to a much lesser extent suite crimes, and to virtually no extent terrorist crimes. Fortunately, Forst, Greene, and Lynch have put together what I believe is the 'go-to' collection of original essays designed to describe terrorism, address the theoretical and policy issues surrounding it, and offer a sense of what sorts of data and questions need to be collected and asked in order for advancing theory and developing better public policy regarding terrorism. It is one thing to learn from such a set of readings, but another to be inspired by them. I have no doubt that reading this material will instill in readers the same sense of enthusiasm that is has generated for me." - Alex R. Piquero, Gordon P. Waldo Professor of Criminology, Florida State University
"This is an outstanding collection of essays on terrorism by some of our leading criminologists. The essays are consistently thoughtful and solidly based in the best evidence of their respective topics. This book is the starting point serious thinking, research, and policy making regarding terrorism." - Sam Walker, School of Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska at Omaha
"This collection of original chapters by some of the world’s leading crime specialists sheds new light on key questions regarding terrorism: how groups form, select their targets, and hone their craft before striking; and how democratic societies can respond effectively. The authors draw upon the lessons of research on the roots of crime and the development of youth gangs and criminal cartels, and what we know about the effectiveness of sophisticated policing and criminal investigation strategies, to paint a striking new portrait of the terrorism landscape. They add richness to our understanding of dynamics terrorism in the 21st Century, and present a nuanced view of the realities of preventing its consequences." - Wesley G. Skogan, Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University