PSCI365: International Terrorism: Origins, Dangers and Prospects

Professor Rowe

This seminar explores the nature and consequences of international terrorism. The first part of the course will examine the history of terror as a self-conscious policy, beginning with the Terrorists of the French Revolution and its imitators among revolutionary states and organizations. The question of whether terrorism is definable or merely a pejorative term will be central to this part of the course. The middle part of the course will deal with the practice of terrorism and counter-terrorism. It will focus on two current examples, namely Al Quaeda's worldwide campaign and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the final part of the course, we will look to the implications of terrorism for international relations, national security and modernization. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Enrollment limited