"Miller's approach is thematic, addressing questions of how todefine terrorism, whether it can ever be justified, and, finally, whether terrorism should be fought through the police or themilitary, and whether to contemplate the use of interrogativetorture. ...[H]is tone is... cautiously analytical throughout, eschewing any obvious sense of partisanship...[offering] adistinctive and important contribution to a range of debates on theethics of terrorism and counterterrorism.„ (Christoper J. Finlay, Ethics and International Affairs, 24, no. 1, 2010).
“[Miller's] book is seminal in its suggestion of re-establishingthe political role of philosophical
reason for dealing with the problems of our age.„ (Mehmet RuhiDemiray, Political Studies Review, 2011, vol. 9)
“Seumas Miller's book is entitled Terrorism andCounter-Terrorism but it is much more than its title suggests. Itis best described as an astute examination of the different typesof 'unconventional political violence' that occur in ourworld. It provides useful discussions of political assassinations, targeted killings, torture, attacks on military personnel who donot perceive themselves to be at war, and more. Miller isespecially concerned about the appropriate response toterrorism-whether it is fighting crime or engaging in war. He isalso concerned with how liberal democracies can most effectivelyrespond to terrorism without violating their most basic moralcommitments. . . there is much in the book that can advancediscussion of some of the most important issues facing Westernliberal democracies.„ (Australasian Journal of Philosophy, 12 May2011)
“Seumas Miller has written a first-rate book. It is the onlyphilosophical treatment of the ethics of terrorism that takescounter-terrorism seriously. Building on his extensive work inpolice ethics, Miller refocuses the debate about terrorism in lightof the kind of procedures that police and the military employ tostop it. It greatly contributes to enlarging the growing debatesabout the appropriate moral response to terrorism.'-Larry May, Washington University in St Louis
'Miller's book is a serious invitation to think again throughcomplex issues, about whether terrorism is ever justifiable, aboutthe „police“ versus „war“ paradigms of counter-terrorism, and abouttorture... In general, Miller's mode of argument is pleasinglygenerous, pointing out difficulties and counter-arguments along theway." The Guardian
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism: Ethics and LiberalDemocracy provides sobering analyses of the nature ofterrorism and the moral justification - or lack thereof- of terrorist actions and counter-terrorism measures intoday's world. Utilizing a variety of thought-provokingphilosophical arguments, the historic roots of terrorism and itscontemporary incarnations are explored in depth. Detailed analysesof organizations such as the IRA, the ANC, Hamas and Al-Qaeda willreveal the many faces of terrorism and its disparate motives andtactics. Discussion of the nature and scope of terrorism andwhether it can ever be morally justified is balanced with analysisof counter-terrorism strategies and the methods and moral limits ofcounter-terrorism.
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism will greatlybroaden our understanding of the nature and morality of terrorismand counter-terrorist pursuits - a crucial precondition forestablishing any form of enduring peace between nations in thetwenty-first century world.
