The so-called 'war on terror' has gone badly for the West, playing directly into the strategy of al-Qa'ida and the rest of the terrorist network. Why did this happen? Were there other approaches that might have been implemented with better prospects of success? This edited collection of perspectives on the non-violent counter to terrorism opens the topic to serious consideration. The development of a non-violent paradigm brings into sharp focus the deficiencies of present thinking, and paves the way for comprehending how non-violence might overcome those deficiencies and introduce viable alternatives. Since there is a general ignorance about the history, theory and operational dynamics of non-violence, these aspects are featured throughout the book, and related to the special case of terrorism. To understand empathetically the background and mind-set of the opponent (without condoning his actions), to study his culture, to avoid the strategic trap he has set, to examine the different gender reactions of a Muslim Society, to differentiate between non-violent Islam and Islamic Terrorism, to jettison the misinformed baggage we carry about violence, to appreciate the positive role education and aesthetics can play, and to investigate ways in which a non-violent counter to terrorism might be staged, including a Gandhian response. These are just some of the tasks that the contributors have collectively pursued. Their ideas excitingly open up a whole new set of possibilities for a more peaceful world.

Table of Contents:
Preface; Foreword: The Dalai Lama; Acknowledgments; Part I: Introduction; Nonviolent Counter to Global Terror(ism) & The Paradigms of Counter Terrorism: An Introduction; The Origins of Violence: New Ideas and New Explanations Affecting Responses to Terrorism; Part II: Nonviolence and Terrorism; Searching for an Exit in the Corridor of Fear: Revisiting Gandhi and King in Times of Terror(ism); The Mahatma and the Mujihadeen: Gandhi's Answer to Terrorism; Terrorism as a Backfire Process;Understanding the Indirect Strategy of Terrorism: Insights from Nonviolent Action Research; Part III: Nonviolent Islam and Islamic Terrorism; Understanding Islamic Terrorism: Humiliation Awareness and the Role for Nonviolence; Terrorism, Gender and Nonviolent Islam: The Case of Eritrea; The Jahiliyya Factor? Fighting Muslims' Cultural Resistance to Nonviolence; Part IV: Nonviolent Role of Education, Aesthetics and Un Police; A Nonviolent Response to Terrorism: What Can Peace Education Do?; Art Against Terror: Nonviolent Alternatives through Emotional Insight; The Role of UN Police in Nonviolently Countering Terrorism; Part V: Nonviolent Responses to Terrorism; Nonviolent Response to Terrorism: Acting Locally; Dissolving Terrorism at its Roots; Terrorism: Violent and Nonviolent Responses; Defeating Terrorism Nonviolently: An Enquiry into an Alternative Strategy; About the Authors; Index.