Illuminating the Dark Arts of War : Terrorism, Sabotage, and Subversion in Homeland Security and the New Conflict

"Since 9/11, the dominant view is that we have entered an era of 'new conflict' in which technology has empowered non-state actors who now pose unprecedented and unmanageable threats to U.S. national security. This unique work studies a range of threats, from homegrown and foreign terrorism to the possibility of cyber- or Chinese sabotage and fears of religious subversion to challenge every aspects of this 'new conflict' argument and expose its underlying exaggerations and misunderstandings. Examining such issues as political violence, the role of religion in terrorism, the impact of technology, and the political aspects of homeland security, this unique survey demonstrates how such activities as terrorism are limited by their clandestine nature. It also addresses why we need to switch our strategic focus and increase the role citizens have in dealing with such threats. This historically informed and critical analysis fills a void in the debates on the threats and conflicts that the U.S. confronts at home and abroad and will appeal to anyone interested in national security and terrorism."--Bloomsbury Publishing. Illuminating the Dark Arts of War is a comprehensive survey of the threats posed by terrorism, sabotage and subversion to the security of the United States. By looking at how these threats connect and what their limitations are, the book calls into question the belief that the United States is now facing unprecedented and unmanageable threats to its security from the "new conflict" carried on by al Qaeda, other non-state actors, and states using the dark arts of war. The book contrasts the limited threats posed by terrorism, sabotage and subversion with the resilience and power of America's government and political system. The book should interest anyone concerned about America's security, particularly those involved in homeland security and those working to counter unconventional threats to the United States. Since 9/11, The Dominant View Is That We Have Entered An Era Of New Conflict In Which Technology Has Empowered Non-state Actors Who Now Pose Unprecedented And Unmanageable Threats To U.s. National Security. This Unique Work Studies A Range Of Threats, From Homegrown And Foreign Terrorism To The Possibility Of Cyber- Or Chinese Sabotage And Fears Of Religious Subversion To Challenge Every Aspects Of This New Conflict Argument And Expose Its Underlying Exaggerations And Misunderstandings. Introduction -- 1. Some Aspects Of Political Violence In America -- 2. Terrorism -- 3. Technology -- 4. Sabotage -- 5. Subversion -- 6. Clandestine Threats, Networks, And Strategy -- Conclusion. David Tucker. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [251]-266) And Index. Examining such issues as political violence, the role of religion in terrorism, the impact of technology, and the political aspects of homeland security, this work demonstrates how such activities as terrorism are limited by their clandestine nature.