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New Book: Edwin Bakker - Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies: Comparing Theory and Practice

Professor Edwin Bakker, director of the Centre for Terrorism & Counterterrorism, released his new book “Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies: Comparing Theory and Practice”, published by Leiden University Press.

Professor Edwin Bakker, director of the Centre for Terrorism & Counterterrorism, released his new book “ Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies: Comparing Theory and Practice”, published by Leiden University Press.

This book has been based on the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on  Terrorism and Counterterrorism that Leiden University has been offering on the platform Coursera since September 2013 and that has attracted over 80,000 participants from more than 180 countries.

Terrorism has arguably been one of the defining factors of our age. In many parts of the world, it has been one of the most important threats to peace, security and stability. But what does this exactly mean? What is the nature of this threat? What can be done about it or how can we at least limit the impact of terrorism?

These are just a handful of questions that are addressed in the book that consists of three parts. First it focuses on the essence of terrorism as an instrument to achieve certain goals and the difficulties in defining it. The second part provides an overview of the state of (counter)terrorism studies. The most interesting results of this academic field are examined and compared with empirical evidence with the aim to either stress their importance or debunk them as myths. The final part looks into the implications and possibilities for policy making.

Video

In this video, Edwin Bakker explains how his new book could serve as a handbook when taking this online course or any other academic course on terrorism and counterterrorism. For those who are already familiar with the course or the topic, it contains a lot of additional information, up-to-date examples and literature recommendations.

Google Hangout

On Monday June 29th, at 20:00 hrs., Edwin Bakker will organise a Google Hangout (live video chat) in which he and a number of MOOC-students will discuss the latest developments regarding terrorism and in which he will announce the winners of the  book competition on Coursera.

The Google Hangout can be viewed on  Youtube and  Google+.

More information about the book can be found on the website of  Leiden University Press.

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