Towards a New Definition of Terrorism Challenges and Perspectives in a Shifting Paradigm

This book addresses critical questions in the field of terrorism studies that have long eluded consensus in the international community. It discusses why there is an abundance of definitions of terrorism and, on the other hand, the absence of a standard definition of terrorism reflected at the international level, shedding light on the elusive boundaries for achieving a global consensus.

The book's two compelling hypotheses pave the way for a fresh perspective on counterterrorism efforts. Firstly, the need for new legal frameworks that adapt to the evolving nature of terrorism, encompassing state-sponsored terrorism. Secondly, by examining the historical roots of terrorism, this book uncovers patterns that could reshape future counterterrorism strategies.

Drawing on interviews with 20 leading experts in terrorism studies from diverse backgrounds and regions, this book provides invaluable insights and ensures a well-rounded examination of the subject. It will appeal to students, scholars, and researchers of security studies, political science, international relations, and terrorism studies in particular, as well as policy-makers interested in exploring the complexities of countering terrorism in our ever-changing world.

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. One Man’s Terrorist.- Chapter 3. Shifting Paradigm of Terrorism .- Chapter 4. Countering Terrorism: Key Challenges and Proposed Solutions.- Chapter 5. Descriptive Matrix Proposal.- Chapter 6. Perspectives on Terrorism. Expert interviews.- Chapter 7. Conclusion.

Katarzyna Maniszewska is the Vice-Rector for International Relations at Collegium Civitas, Warsaw, Poland. She also is the Director of the Summer School and Study Abroad Program “Security and Society in the Information Age” at Collegium Civitas. Previously, she worked as an advisor and program manager at Polish and foreign NGOs, incl. the position of Program Director at the Polish-American Freedom Foundation. Dr. Maniszewska has an in-depth knowledge of the European Institutions gained during her work at the European Parliament in Brussels (2006-2009). Maniszewska holds a Ph.D. from the University of Warsaw, Poland. Her research focuses on the history and development of political extremism and terrorism with particular emphasis on media coverage of terrorism. She is a member of the Scientific Board of the Terrorism Research Centre and Lecturer at Collegium Civitas where she teaches courses on: geography of terrorism, introduction to security studies, colonialism and decolonization. As a visiting scholar she held lectures, among other institutions, at West Virginia University, Philippine Public Safety College and UNJANI - Indonesia Military University.