Globalization and Terrorism: The Migration of Dreams and Nightmares

Jamal R. Nassar

Softcover

ISBN 10: 074252504X ISBN 13: 9780742525047

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield, 2004

Globalization and terrorism are both charged concepts; people use the terms loosely without regard for exactitude, often to further political ends. This book carefully defines these concepts, puts them in historical as well as political context, and amplifies the basics with an exploration of the way in which the dreams inspired by globalization can translate all too easily into the nightmare of terrorism. The author writes beautifully about the harshest of circumstances endured by victims of globalization--the root causes we give lip service to discovering but often without effect. He develops two key cases--the conflicts in Palestine and Northern Ireland--and applies their lessons to other examples including the Congo, Chechnya, and Colombia in an effort to internationalize our understanding of how globalization and terrorism operate in a variety of contexts. Finally, a chapter on Middle Eastern Islamist terrorism is a tour de force of incisiveness with balance. Nassar presents the dominant view along with the perspective of those dominated by forces beyond their control. Even as he offers a profound critique of Western hegemony, Nassar conveys his respect and hope for an enlightened global interdependence--embracing the power of the dream over the nightmare.

Review:

To connect globalization and terrorism so convincingly and imaginatively gives this book its originality. Globalization and Terrorism is invaluable as a check against unacceptable American innocence about the United States' role in the world. Readers will also gain insight into the rise of political violence in the Islamic world and elsewhere. Highly recommended. -- Falk, Richard Globalization and Terrorism is a difficult book, and a challenging and important one. It takes categories we are comfortable with and shows us their weaknesses and limitations, as well as the unexpected links between them: it provides a rich and reflective contribution to our understanding of both. -- Rashid Khalidi The book was written not only from the perspective of the dominant powers, but also from that of the dominated. Therefore, it has a more balanced perspective than books of this genre usually offer. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Choice In this essay, Nassar connects international terrorism with globalization, seeing them as linked through what he calls the migration of dreams and the migration of nightmares. His study, based on secondary sources as well as his own experiences growing up in Jerusalem in pre-1948 Palestine, offers details often missing in similar studies. Journal Of Palestine Studies This book represents an ambitious attempt to explore the relationship linking two of the most prominent, yet contested, concepts within contemporary international politics: globalization and terrorism. Political Studies Review In this exceptionally well-written work, Jamal Nassar has offered a humane meditation on some of the most important issues and enduring conflicts of our epoch. His insights will undoubtedly be of value to students and scholars alike. -- Bronner, Stephen Eric

Synopsis:

Globalization and terrorism are both charged concepts; people use the terms loosely without regard for exactitude, often to further political ends. This book carefully defines these concepts, puts them in historical as well as political context, and amplifies the basics with an exploration of the way in which the dreams inspired by globalization can translate all too easily into the nightmare of terrorism. Visit our website for sample chapters!