Facing Terrorism in France: Lessons from the 2015 Paris Attacks

From 2015 to 2017, Europe experienced a wave of terrorist attacks by ISIS or citizens of the targeted country. These attacks shook French society, targeting symbols of France and European liberal values. The book offers an interdisciplinary investigation into the complex responses of French society, from individuals to civic associations and the State.

Format: Hardback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

From 2015, Europe experienced a surge of terrorist attacks, either coordinated or supported by an international Islamist organization (ISIS) or carried out by citizens of the targeted countries. These attacks garnered widespread attention, with the attacks on Paris, Brussels, London, Manchester, Nice, and Barcelona being particularly notable. However, the most dramatic incidents occurred in Paris, in January and November 2015. These events shook the foundations of French society not only due to their magnitude but also because of the symbolic nature of the targets. In January, the targets were carefully chosen as emblematic of France (such as the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, the police forces, the Jewish community) and of European liberal values (journalists and cartoonists). In contrast, in November, the victims were ordinary people enjoying music, sports, and restaurants.

This book offers a unique interdisciplinary investigation into the complex responses of French society. It explores the responses from various levels, including the individual (survivors of the Bataclan attack, emotional citizens paying homage to the victims, French Muslims), the meso level of civic associations and web communities, and the macro level of the State and public opinion. The book delves into the various reactions and experiences of individuals and communities, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by French society in the aftermath of these devastating events.

The book also examines the role of the media and social media in shaping public perception and response to the attacks. It explores how the media coverage of these events influenced public opinion and how social media platforms were used to mobilize support and solidarity among individuals and communities. The book also discusses the political and social implications of these attacks, including the rise of right-wing populism and the challenges faced by governments in combating terrorism.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the terrorist attacks in Europe in 2015, offering valuable insights into the complex responses of French society and the broader global context in which these events occurred.

Weight: 331g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030941628
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022