Debating terrorism and counterterrorism: conflicting perspectives on causes, contexts, and responses

Is the "new terrorism" really new? No : The "new terrorism" of al-Qaeda is not so new / Alexander Spencer

Yes : Al-Qaeda is an example of a "new terrorism" / Rohan Gunaratna

Does poverty serve as a root cause of terrorism? No : Poverty is a weak causal link / James A. Piazza

Yes : Poverty is an important cause / Karin von Hippel

Can terrorism ever be justified? No : Terrorist violence is never justified / Tamar Meisels

Yes : Terrorism is a just tool of the weak / Ted Honderich

Does Islam play a unique role in modern religious terrorism? Yes : Islam has a unique impact on modern terrorism / Andrew C. McCarthy

No : Islam itself is not the problem in the current wave of global terrorism / Fawaz A. Gerges

Is suicide terrorism an effective tactic? Yes : Suicide terrorism is a pragmatic choice / Gordon H. McCormick and Lindsay Fritz

No : Suicide terrorism rarely achieves its goals / Max Abrahms

Is nuclear terrorism a real threat? Yes : The threat is very real / Matthew Bunn

No : The threat is overblown / Susan B. Martin

Counterterrorism strategies : do we need bombs over bridges? No : There is a need to focus more on building bridges / Brigitte L. Nacos

Yes : More creative military strategies are needed / Michael Rubin

Can spreading democracy help defeat terrorism? No : Democracy promotion is problematic as a counterterrorism priority / F. Gregory Gause III

Yes : Promoting democracy can combat terrorism / Jennifer L. Windsor

Can the United Nations make a difference in fighting terrorism? No : The UN is limited in its ability to play a role / Zachary C. Shirkey

Yes : The UN has vital roles to play in countering terrorism / Eric Rosand

Is an outright ban the best way to eliminate or constrain torture? Yes : Torture violates U.S. and international law and should never be allowed / Michael H. Posner

No : There is a need to bring an unfortunate practice within the bounds of law / Alan M. Dershowitz

Counterterrorism and the Constitution : does providing security require a trade-off with civil liberties? Yes : The United States needs to reasonably limit civil liberties and bolster executive powers / John Yoo

No : Respecting civil liberties and preventing executive overreach are critical to preserving America's security and its ideals / David Cole

Conclusion : Is the threat of terrorism being overstated? Yes : The threat of terrorism is overblown and more manageable than suspected / John Mueller

No : The threat is profound and will remain so for some time / Walter Laquer.