Bettina Koch Book order

The volume critically discusses theoretical discourses and theoretically informed case studies on state violence and state terror. How do states justify their acts of violence? How are these justifications critiqued? Although legally state terrorism does not exist, some states nonetheless commit acts of violence that qualify as state terror as a social fact. In which cases and under what circumstances do (illegitimate) acts of violence qualify as state terrorism? Geographically, the volume covers cases and discourses from the Caucasus, South East and Central Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

The book delves into how religion, particularly Christianity and Islam, is employed to justify political violence. It analyzes both historical and contemporary contexts in the Middle East and Latin America, revealing patterns in hegemonic and anti-hegemonic narratives. The study highlights the transformation of premodern arguments to legitimize modern violence and asserts that many conflicts, while framed in religious terms, often stem from socio-economic and political injustices. Understanding these dynamics is essential for grasping the complexities of conflict and aiding in resolution efforts.