Overview

Presenting a global history of aerial bombardment, this book shows how certain European powers initiated aerial bombardment of civilians after World War I, and how it was an instrument of choice in World War II. Beau Grosscup shows that such methods, used initially as a means of terrorizing native populations in Africa and the Middle East, have become the primary form of terrorism in more recent decades. While such 'strategic terror' is not classed as 'terrorism' in the West, this reflects an unwillingness to confront the human costs and immorality of aerial bombardment. Grosscup argues that if terrorism is to be diminished, the role of aerial bombing in sustaining global violence must be recognized.

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9781842775431

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Reviews

'Beau Grosscup shows that aerial bombardment, which was used many years ago as a means of terrorizing native populations in Africa and the Middle East, has become the primary form of terrorism in more recent decades. As he indicates, 'strategic terror' is not classed as 'terrorism' in the West, but this reflects political power and a resultant politicization of word usage, and an unwillingness to confront the human costs and immorality of aerial bombardment. Beau Grosscup's Strategic Terror is a major and much needed addition to the literature on terrorism.' Edward S. Herman (author of The Real Terror Network, co-author of The Terrorism Industry) 'What makes this work a much-needed addition to the literature and the debate is Grosscup's ability to illustrate, through his fluent use of colourful vocabulary, that the present-day use of indiscriminate bombing, with its high casualty rates among civilians, has a long and troubling history. Grosscup's work also has a clear agenda...His central conclusion is, again, comprehensively detailed.' John Coulter, Tribune 'An ambitious attempt to chart the politics of strategic bombing from the 20th century to the present day...one of the main merits of the book is the clear documentation of how civilians, mostly working people, have always been targeted...a book which highlights well the genocidal brutality of powerful states.' Morning Star

'Beau Grosscup shows that aerial bombardment, which was used many years ago as a means of terrorizing native populations in Africa and the Middle East, has become the primary form of terrorism in more recent decades. As he indicates, 'strategic terror' is not classed as 'terrorism' in the West, but this reflects political power and a resultant politicization of word usage, and an unwillingness to confront the human costs and immorality of aerial bombardment. Beau Grosscup's Strategic Terror is a major and much needed addition to the literature on terrorism.' - Edward S. Herman (author of The Real Terror Network, co-author of The Terrorism Industry) 'What makes this work a much-needed addition to the literature and the debate is Grosscup's ability to illustrate, through his fluent use of colourful vocabulary, that the present-day use of indiscriminate bombing, with its high casualty rates among civilians, has a long and troubling history. Grosscup's work also has a clear agenda...His central conclusion is, again, comprehensively detailed.' - John Coulter, Tribune 'An ambitious attempt to chart the politics of strategic bombing from the 20th century to the present day...one of the main merits of the book is the clear documentation of how civilians, mostly working people, have always been targeted...a book which highlights well the genocidal brutality of powerful states.' - Morning Star

Author Information

Beau Grosscup is a professor of international relations at California State University, Chico.

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