The Economics of Terrorism

Brutality is the defining characteristic of terrorism. It is despairing to learn that this brutality is the outcome of purposeful, rational, human behaviour. In this purposefulness, however, there lies the key to the interpretation, explanation and understanding of terrorist behaviour. Ultimately, it is in this purposefulness that we shall also find the key to overcoming terrorism. Economic analysis highlights this purposefulness, this rationality, and in doing so provides a different perspective from which to approach the threat of terrorism and the task of pre-empting and pursuing its perpetrators. This book develops this economic perspective within a series of important contexts, each characterised by particular types of terrorist behaviour, choices and strategies.

The Economics of Terrorism brings new insights on how to deal with such challenges as the terrorist group’s choice of attack method and target location, terrorist financing and ‘copycat’ behaviour.

Peter J. Phillips is Associate Professor (Finance) at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. He is the author ofIn Pursuit of the Lone Wolf Terrorist. His published articles apply economic analysis to the study of terrorism and his recent journal contributions include ‘Lone Wolf Terrorism’ & ‘Prospect Theory and Terrorist Choice’ (with Gabriela Pohl).