The Ethics and Efficacy of the Global War on Terrorism:
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Writen byCharles P. Webel, John A. Arnaldi (editors) - PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
- Year2011
This edited volume critically examines the ethical and practical dimensions of the Global War on Terrorism, questioning whether the use of terror as a countermeasure can be morally justified or strategically effective. Through contributions from scholars and practitioners, the book explores themes including the construction and perception of terrorism, the moral and legal consequences of counterterrorism policies, human security, the degradation of the rule of law, and the ethical responsibilities of journalists in framing terrorism and policy. Its relevance to the contemporary era is pronounced, as debates on balancing security, ethics, and human rights continue to dominate policy discourse. The volume offers actionable insights for policymakers, security analysts, scholars, and civil society actors by demonstrating how ethical considerations intersect with the design, execution, and public reception of counterterrorism strategies in both domestic and international arenas.Strengths of the volume include its multi-disciplinary and multi-author approach, integrating ethics, law, political science, and media studies, providing a holistic view of counterterrorism dilemmas. The book excels in highlighting moral, legal, and strategic challenges in the Global War on Terror, particularly in U.S. contexts. Limitations include a primary focus on the U.S., which may limit global generalizability, and an academic orientation that might challenge readers seeking purely operational or policy-focused guidance. Overall, it advances scholarly understanding of the ethical and practical complexities of counterterrorism.A critical, rigorous, and timely contribution to terrorism studies and applied ethics, particularly for scholars and practitioners analyzing the morality, effectiveness, and policy framing of counterterrorism strategies. Highly recommended for academic and professional repositories focused on security, ethics, and political violence.

