Introduction
In “Faces of State Terrorism”, Westra (2012) evaluates a multiplicity of topics concerned with nonaligned and developing nations, with specific reference to studying how terrorism effects are located on economic and geopolitical imbalances that frame contemporary international relations. The author’s main thesis in this book, it seems, is predicated on exposing the inadequacies that are so prevalent in international politics today, resulting in a state where the world is no longer functioning on the premise of morality but rather on the basis of national interests. The book is a remarkable read for students and scholars of international relations, who may be interested in understanding how state and non-state actors in non-aligned and developing nations appear to rationalize acts of terrorism as a last resort to tackle their grievances owing to perceived failure by the developed world to deal with these grievances.
Book Content
The book is a publication of seven chapters, a postscript about the assassination of terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden, copious references, an appendix, and an index; however, chapter 2 (“Terrorism and Crime”), chapter 3 (“Terrorism: Means and Motives, the Quest for Independence and the Limits of Self-Defence”) and chapter 4 (“State Terrorism and Economic Oppression: The Many Faces of State Terrorism”) seem to address the main theme of the book, which relates to the vexing contradictions that exist in the arena of international relations in which nation-states act on the basis of their national interests rather than being guided by morality.
Evaluation
To support this theme, the review aims to analyze three fundamental aspects found in the mentioned chapters as well as in the conclusion of the book. In chapter two, Westra deviates from idealist scholars to progress an argument that many non-aligned states and developing countries may as a matter of fact rationalize acts of terrorism to protest particular actions of developed countries such as the US and UK, or as a last resort used by state and non-state actors in these countries to ensure their grievances are addressed by world powers. Upon deeper analysis, it is possible that such a failure by state and non-state actors to employ formal institutions (e.g., United Nations Security Council) that are in a position to solve the complaints and challenges bedeviling them may have galvanized the so-called terror outfits (e.g., Al-Qaeda and Taliban) to act in ways that seem criminal to the other states or to victims. Syria, Iran and North Korea’s orientation to terrorism may also be explained in this context.
In chapter three, the author appears keen to refute the claim of what she terms “the conviction that terrorism must be both immoral and illegal because of the means it employs” (Westra 2012, p. 63). Here, it can be argued that the author provides a totally new lens with which to view terrorism by putting up a strong argument that although terrorism is in itself morally wrong as it kills the innocent, it is no different from the manner in which poor states in Africa and elsewhere are terrorized by powerful countries. The moral argument of this statement, it seems, is rested on the supposition that if a state can terrorize another based on its power and influence, so can groups.
In chapter four, Westra (2012) develops a very valid and well-supported argument of how the state, as represented by the governing politicians, terrorizes its citizens by not only licensing but also allowing the housing of dangerous industries in their societies in the name of economic development that would ultimately benefit the plutocratic oligarchs (ruling elite), and by terrorizing the ecosystem at the detriment of the population.
Although the other chapters are also important, these three chapters, in my view, provide useful insights into how students and scholars can conceptualize the concept of global terrorism using an approach that is nested on the causal factors that may be reinforcing terrorist activities on the world map. In retrospect, it can be argued that the reader’s needs are well met, especially in knowing why some countries such as Iran and North Korea are increasingly rationalizing terrorism, and in understanding why developed countries such as the US and UK are fuelling terrorist activities across the world through their actions of “terrorising” other countries. Indeed, it is common knowledge that guardians of major powers in the world often cheat, lie, cajole and torture not only to enhance their group interest but also to camouflage their actions within the scope and context of protecting the interests of their own. Overall, the book is worth reading for its prowess in providing an alternative view of terrorism, the objectivity of analysis, and wide usage of documented literature to support arguments.
Reference
Westra, Laura 2012, Faces of state terrorism, E.J. Brill Academic Publishers, Leiden, the Netherlands.