Terrorism As Crime

Read this book to understand the important nexus between terrorism and crime! This cutting edge analysis suggests a new approach to defeat the terrorist threat to the United States.--Marc Sageman, author of Understanding Terror NetworksHamm's clear writing style, careful research and theoretical insights promise to make this a classic in criminology.--William J. Chambliss, author of Power, Politics, and Crime[Provides] the first detailed account of how crime provides logistical support for terrorist strikes. By blending the study of terrorism and criminology, Hamm offers the possibility of detecting and stopping terrorism through the pursuit of conventional methods of criminal investigation.--Gary LaFree, Director, START,National Center for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism University of Maryland Department of Criminology/DemocracyCar bombing, suicide bombing, abduction, smuggling, homicide, and hijacking are all profoundly criminal acts. In Terrorism as Crime Mark S. Hamm presents an understanding of terrorism from a criminological point of view, arguing that the most successful way to understand, detect, prosecute and deter these acts is to use conventional criminal investigation methods. Whether in Oklahoma City or London, Terrorism as Crime demonstrates that criminal activity is the lifeblood of terrorist groups and that there are simple common denominators at work that can remove the mystery surrounding many of these terrorist groups. Once understood the vulnerabilities of these organizations can be exposed.This important volume focuses in on six case studies of crimes committed by jihad and domestic right wing groups, including biographies of more than two dozen terrorists along with descriptions of their organizations, strategies, and terrorist plots. Terrorism As Crime offers an original and significant framework for explaining international and domestic terrorism, as well as how future acts might be detected or exposed.

Mark S. Hamm is Professor of Criminology at Indiana State University.