Imperialism and Terrorism

Modern imperialism continues a very old cycle of aggressive expansion. The pretext may be religion, economics, or nationalism, but the underlying cause remains the same: the desire for power. There is little difference between an aggressive prehistoric tribal leader and modern heads of state. Each wants only the wealth or prestige brought by victory over the enemies.

Imperialism and Terrorism dissects the age-old relationship between nationalistic growth and the reaction of terrorism. Author Hani Montan discards the "us versus them" messages perpetuated by imperialist forces and a sympathetic media. Instead, he scrutinizes the complex relationship between terrorism and imperialism.

Montan illustrates his point with the United States' involvement in the Middle East and the regularity with which state-sponsored terrorism transforms into reactionary terrorism. He describes how the rise of bigoted populist leaders and far-right extremists in the United States and Europe feeds into the imperialist narrative and threatens to plunge the world into a disastrous clash of civilizations.

While often somber in tone, Montan's work also offers hope. His dissertation warns the silent majority of the danger of buying into far-right populism and reminds us of the importance of opposing nationalist agendas not just for ourselves but for future generations.