Introduction: Global Terrorism by Dr.

Venkatesh

This book addresses one of central concerns of our time, namely global terrorism. It is a
comprehensive look at terrorism in all its manifestations, written from point of view of a
security expert, who is also something of a moral and social philosopher. The author has
a wealth of experience in the field of Security and Counter Terrorism.

The first chapter introduces the subject as well as makes some generalizations on
terrorism in general and terrorists in particular. Today’s terrorists are likely to be well
educated, free of vices, upwardly mobile individuals, as opposed to our idea of criminals
as arising from the lumpen classes. The general theoretical apparatus for carrying out the
study is laid out in this chapter.

The second chapter discusses the problems involved in nation building, again a very
contemporary concern. It also discusses the factors that lead to the breakdown in social
order and their prevention. The third chapter looks at the genesis of a resistance
movement with concrete examples taken from global hotspots such as the Munich
Olympics and Entebbe airport rescue.

Chapter 4 discusses recent attacks on leaders, which have become important ways of
derailing a society, as seen in the past, such as the attack on Mahatma Gandhi, John F.
Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Chapter 5 importantly discusses difference between terrorism and Naxalism, concluding

that terrorism is a more urgent and pressing problem, but Naxalites are no less vicious. A
detailed history on Naxalism in the Indian context is provided and counter strategies
discussed.

Chapters 6, 7 & 8 look at terrorism in detail and provide an overview of the contours of
modern-day terrorism. Specifically, we look at terrorism in Ireland, South Asia, and
Middle East. Of note is the discussion on “One man’s terrorist is another’s freedom
fighter”.

Chapters 9 & 10 deal with International Relations and Guerilla Warfare respectively. The
role of guerillas in the Cuba and Nicaragua uprisings are discussed as well as a landmark
document issued by the Contras regarding psychological mobilization of guerillas
summarized.

Chapter 11 discusses the origins and development of the insurgencies in the North
Eastern Indian states and ways of combating these. Chapter 12 deals with Lanka’s
victorious war against the LTTE and the lessons that can be learnt by us. The idea that
prevention of a conflict is always better than de-escalation finds its place here.

Chapter 13 is written from the standpoint of a military historian showing how collateral
targets are becoming increasingly important and modern warfare is being carried out in
jungles (Vietnam), through terrorism (Lebanon), and on city streets (Somalia). Large and
well equipped armies are subsequently placed on the back foot. This fourth generation
warfare is thus starkly in contrast to moral values and the Geneva Convention (also
outlined in this book).

In summary, though the book is written by a security expert with a wealth of experience
in the fields of security and counter terrorism, the author does not shirk from donning
various hats as military historian and social and moral philosopher as the subject
demands. Though written with the goal of providing maximum security, civil solutions
such as interventions by NGOs are not soft peddled. In fact, the author shows himself to
be a social and moral philosopher, when he discusses decline of human values, rise of
consumerism, and social angst leading to concomitant rise of religious fundamentalism.
A timely, fact filled book that is often disturbing and cannot afford to be ignored.