What Makes a Terrorist?

Economics and the Roots of Terrorism (10th Anniversary Edition)

By: Alan B. Krueger

Narrated by: Jonathan Hogan

Why we need to think more like economists to successfully combat terrorism

If we are to correctly assess the root causes of terrorism and successfully address the threat, we must think more like economists do. This is the argument of Alan Krueger's What Makes a Terrorist, a book that explains why our tactics in the fight against terrorism must be based on more than anecdote, intuition, and speculation.

Many popular ideas about terrorists and why they seek to harm us are fueled by falsehoods, misinformation, and fearmongering. Many believe that poverty and lack of education breed terrorism, despite the wealth of evidence showing that most terrorists come from middle-class, and often college-educated, backgrounds. Krueger closely examines the factors that motivate individuals to participate in terrorism, drawing inferences from terrorists' own backgrounds and the economic, social, religious, and political environments in the societies from which they come.

He describes which countries are the most likely breeding grounds for terrorists, and which ones are most likely to be their targets. Krueger addresses the economic and psychological consequences of terrorism and puts the threat squarely into perspective, revealing how our nation's sizable economy is diverse and resilient enough to withstand the comparatively limited effects of most terrorist strikes. He also calls on the media to be more responsible in reporting on terrorism.

Bringing needed clarity to one of the greatest challenges of our generation, this 10th anniversary edition of What Makes a Terrorist features a new introduction by the author that discusses the lessons learned in the past decade from the rise of ISIS and events like the 2016 Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando, Florida.

©2007, 2018 Princeton University Press (P)2018 Recorded Books

More of a political rant

I've read numerous books pertaining to the causes of terrorism, history of terrorism and theories on how to curb terrorism along with college courses ive taken in Terrorism and International Criminal Justice. This is by far the worst book I've read or listened to on the matter. In between political rants about certain studies, politicians and past Presidents, you get a bit of actual information. Numerous times thoughout the book I was wondering what in the world does this have to do with causes or possible remedy's for terrorism. If you don't mind one sided political rants with bits of actual useful information thrown in from time to time, this is the book for you. Otherwise I highly suggest you save time and read Root Causes of Terrorism: Myths, Realities and Ways Forward, you won't regret it.