Revising the Field of Terrorism

Abstract

This chapter provides a personal reflection on the author’s intellectual and emotional journey towards being one of the founding scholars of critical terrorism studies (CTS). It explains some of the formative influences and life experiences which eventually led to the decision, along with others, to hold a conference on CTS, launch a CTS working group within the British International Studies Association (BISA), start a new journal, and publish a series of books and articles outlining the CTS approach to the study of terrorism. As such, it provides greater understanding of the role of academic entrepreneurs in developing new fields, as well as the particular focus and approach of CTS to the study of terrorism and counterterrorism.