Terrorism and the Politics of Fear

“Terrorism and the Politics of Fear is a response to the political use of “fear symbols” that has reached unmatched levels in the twenty-first century. In this highly recommended book, David Altheide explores the military-media complex and continues his study of the social construction of ‘fear’ and its use to steer public and foreign policy. In this exploration, he compellingly argues that crime prevention projects and anti-terrorism efforts pushed through on a wave of manipulated social fear have become broad social control systems that don’t necessarily make us safer but invariable make us less free. His detailing of how surveillance systems of varied ilk monitor citizens more but prevent crime less, demonstrates the danger of crime prevention morphing into citizen micro-management and social regulation that is divorced from real security concerns. He deftly tracks how inordinate fear in a society translates into a glib surrendering of civil liberties and privacy. This book should be read by anyone who is concerned for both their security and their liberty.” ―Professor Raymond Surrette, University of Central Florida, Author of Media, Crime, and Criminal Justice

“Terrorism and the Politics of Fear is the most important study of this issue written so far. David Altheide takes apart the rhetoric to show us how the politics of fear is constructed. If you want to understand the construction of fear- this is the place to start.” ―Professor Frank Furedi, University of Kent at Canterbury, School of Social Policy and Research

“Be afraid. Be very afraid…of our own leaders and media. David Altheide presents a chilling account of ways in which fear has been used to change the American political landscape. This book brings new meaning to the idea that we have nothing to fear but fear itself.” ―Lance Bennett, University of Washington

“This important book demonstrates how politicians and other decision-makers are using fear of terrorism to extend and intensify social control well beyond the threat of terrorism. It shows brilliantly that mass media formats and logics of fear fundamentally shape how people think about security, and lead them to engage in new forms of self-regulation. We are all now governed through fear.” ―Richard V. Ericson, Director, Centre of Criminology, University of Toronto