In this important book veteran researchers Grabosky and Stohl draw on organized crime to illuminate the neglected terrain between terrorism and more ordinary forms of illegal behavior. The book is required reading for anyone interested in the critical intersection between political violence and illegal business. – Gary LaFree, Director, National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, University of Maryland

”Jargon-free and bristling with thought-provoking examples from around the globe, Grabosky and Stohl have produced a lucid overview of a much-neglected area within criminology – the often murky interface between organised crime and terrorism.” – Dr. Keith Hayward, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Kent, UK

Terrorism and crime are two areas of knowledge that have traditionally been looked at independently. In this timely and original text, two of the leading authors in the field provide a clear and thorough look at terrorism from a criminological perspective. Integrating the latest research, the book explores the motives of criminals and terrorists, the causes of crime and terrorism and the impact of the law and the legal system. Central to this exploration, the authors examine the nexus between criminal and terrorist organizations, and the commonalities and differences between them and what this means for public policy and safety and security within states. Cross-cultural and international in perspective, this is a fresh and original text that will appeal to undergraduates, academics, and researchers in criminology, politics, international relations, sociology, communication and cultural studies.

Introduction: Terrorism and Terrorists, Crime and Criminals

Introduction: Terrorism and Terrorists, Crime and Criminals

Introduction: Terrorism and terrorists, crime and criminals

Introduction

Organized crime and terrorism are both ‘hot button’ issues. Not only are they high on the policy agendas of most developed countries, they have become a part of popular culture. But they are not fiction. They can also be real threats to free societies. And, despite their fundamental differences, they have much in common.

This book looks at terrorism through the lens of criminology. In so doing, it seeks to compare two types of illicit activity: terrorism and ‘conventional’ organized crime. It is surprising, yet understandable, that the explicit comparison of crime (especially organized crime) and terrorism has received relatively little scholarly attention (for exceptions, see Levi, 2006; Morselli, 2009). It is surprising ...

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