Blin, Arnaud, and Gérard Chaliand. The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to Al Qaeda. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2007.

Change plus vite, hélas! que le coeur d'un mortel.
The form of a town changes more swiftly alas! Than the heart of a mortal.
Charles Baudelaire, Le Cygne (The Swan)

In The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to Al Qaeda, edited by Gérard Chaliand and Arnaud Blin, readers will find an excellent compilation of essays regarding the history of terrorism. Beginning with the earliest recorded manifestations of terrorism to the present day, the editors provide not only detailed accounts of terrorism through the ages, but valuable historical context that helps the reader understand the complexities of the terrorism we face today. Overall, the purpose of this book is to show that terrorism is used for political purposes, that it is psychological in nature, and that this has been the case throughout history. The editors organize this collection of essays into a roughly chronological order that provides continuity to the argument that terrorism has evolved throughout history, while maintaining signature characteristics that distinguish it from other types of warfare. Beginning with the Zealots and Assassins of pre-medieval history, readers will soon begin to make connections between the various eras of terrorism. Additionally, this chronological arrangement lends itself to understanding that from its earliest stages, terrorism has always been a tactic that “…is the most violent form of psychological warfare (viii), and that “Terrorism is above all a tool, or, if you will, a technique” (50). Pre-French revolution terrorism, the French revolution, and the birth of modern terrorism all the way through to modern religious terrorism are covered in detail. Although the chronological order is loose, it shows that history gives even terrorists themselves the perspective to adjust their strategy for attaining their goals. Extensive detail is given from primary sources to support the claim that terrorism looks different through history, but still has defining political aims and a psychological dimension. For example, modern radical Islam is, in part, influenced by the culture that existed during the Assassin period. “It is hardly surprising that the indirect strategy (of terrorism) should have developed in the context of Arab Muslim culture, in which everything, including religion, has a political dimension” (76). This point is illustrated by citing the writings of Sayyid Qutb in the 1960’s, which show a shift in the radicalization of jihad (283). The rise of al Qaeda and the primary types of terrorism we experience today are shown through excerpts from fatwas and the increased media coverage that terrorist organizations currently enjoy (315). The terror of the French Revolution is better understood with citations from Rousseau’s Contrat Social that aim to rally the French to submit to the general will (105). The Industrial Revolution, with its rapid technological innovation, put the tools in the hands of anarchists who, in turn, committed several terrorist acts during the early 20th century. Johann Most wrote praises about bombs during this time in The Science of Revolutionary Warfare (181). The editors show that although acts of terrorism have changed dramatically, the definition of terrorism, in essence, has not. The Assassins and Thugs of long ago did not have the media coverage or the technology to reach audiences in foreign countries, but they still used the ‘psychological warfare’ of terrorism to incite fear in their opponents and attain power. The editors define terrorism by its characteristics that differentiate it from other modes of struggle (like conventional war or guerilla warfare). The distinguishing characteristics of terrorism include small numbers of perpetrators, specialized tactics (like bombing, kidnapping, or hijacking), legality, targets, and intended impact (26). These characteristics can be seen in terrorist groups from distinct historical periods. This shows that even though terrorist groups might have varied goals, tools, and methods that depend on historical context there are common characteristics that terrorist groups share. These arguments are clearly stated and well articulated, but not well connected throughout the book. Indeed, the analysis of these arguments is partially lost in the extensive detail that the book offers. Although that detail provides insight in its own way, the book occasionally reads like a simple log of terrorist events, rather than an analysis of the importance of examining terrorism historically. The later chapters of the book give more analysis in light of current events, although for a book on the history of terrorism, Chaliland and Blin could have given more analysis of what the history presented means for terrorism today. Overall, this book gives an excellent overview of the history of terrorism. It gives the reader in-depth detail about the rise of terrorist groups, how they were and are successful, and where they fail and are conquered. Although counter-terrorism measures are more extensive than ever, it is not to say that terrorism is close to being eradicated; as such, it is important to understand how the form of terrorism has changed, even if the heart of terrorism remains much the same as it has throughout history.