Twenty-First Century Fictions of Terrorism

Arin Keeble's book explores how novels from around the world have represented terrorism in the early twenty-first century, moving away from event-based narratives toward depictions of terrorism as a violent symptom or feature of world-systems and neoliberalism. It examines the changing ways literature has sought to make sense of the reasons why terrorism occurs and the effects it has on victims, survivors, and international and intercultural relations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Arin Keeble delves into a comprehensive examination of the representation of terrorism in novels from around the world in the early twenty-first century. Spanning over five chapters, he unravels a shift from event-based narratives to depictions of terrorism as a violent symptom or feature of twenty-first century world-systems and neoliberalism. The book begins with an exploration of the early literary response to the 9/11 attacks and the emergence of the 9/11 novel genre. It then proceeds to examine more recent representations of the endless war on terror, state terror, white nationalist terror, and historical narratives of terror that continue to resonate in the current political climate. Through this comprehensive analysis, Keeble examines the evolving ways in which literature has sought to make sense of the causes behind terrorism and its profound effects on victims, survivors, and international and intercultural relations.

Introduction:
In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the world witnessed a surge in the production of literature that sought to grapple with the complex phenomenon of terrorism. This literary response encompassed a wide range of novels, from neglected classics to brand new texts, each offering unique perspectives on the issue. Arin Keeble, a scholar of literature and terrorism, has undertaken a meticulous examination of these novels, exploring the ways in which they have represented terrorism in the early twenty-first century.

Shift from Event-Based Narratives:
One of the notable trends observed in Keeble's analysis is a shift away from event-based narratives toward depictions of terrorism as a violent symptom or feature of twenty-first century world-systems and neoliberalism. This shift reflects the changing nature of terrorism in the post-9/11 era, where it has become more intertwined with global economic and political structures. Novels that once focused solely on the actions of individual terrorists or terrorist groups have now expanded their scope to encompass the broader socio-economic and political context in which terrorism occurs.

Depictions of Terrorism as a Violent Symptom:
Keeble's examination reveals that novels from around the world have depicted terrorism as a violent symptom of the complex web of factors that contribute to the emergence and persistence of terrorism. These factors include economic inequality, political instability, social exclusion, and the marginalization of certain groups. By highlighting the underlying causes of terrorism, novels seek to shed light on the complex dynamics that drive it and provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by societies and communities affected by it.

The Endless War on Terror:
One of the most prominent themes in Keeble's analysis is the depiction of the endless war on terror. This war, initiated by the United States after the 9/11 attacks, has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of terrorists and the implementation of counterterrorism measures that often violate human rights and freedoms. Novels have portrayed this war as a futile and destructive endeavor, highlighting the unintended consequences of military interventions and the erosion of civil liberties.

State Terror:
Another significant theme in Keeble's analysis is the depiction of state terror. State terror refers to the use of terrorism by governments or authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent and maintain power. Novels have explored the ways in which state terror manifests itself in different contexts, from authoritarian regimes in the Middle East to Western countries engaged in counterterrorism operations. These novels shed light on the ethical dilemmas and unintended consequences of state-sanctioned violence.

White Nationalist Terror:
Keeble's analysis also includes a discussion of white nationalist terror, a growing threat in many parts of the world. Novels have portrayed white nationalist groups as a dangerous and extremist movement that seeks to promote racial superiority and undermine multiculturalism. These novels highlight the dangers of hate speech and the potential for violence when it is legitimized by political or social movements.

Historical Narratives of Terror:
Finally, Keeble's analysis examines historical narratives of terror that resonate in the current political climate. These narratives refer to the use of terrorism as a tool of political or social change in the past. Novels have explored the ways in which historical events and ideologies shape contemporary attitudes toward terrorism and the potential for historical legacies to influence the course of future conflicts.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Arin Keeble's examination of novels by celebrated authors offers a rich and nuanced analysis of the ways in which novels from around the world have represented terrorism in the early twenty-first century. Through his comprehensive exploration of a range of themes and genres, Keeble sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of terrorism and its impact on societies and communities. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of literature and terrorism studies, providing insights into the changing ways in which literature seeks to make sense of the reasons why terrorism occurs and the effects it has on victims, survivors, and international and intercultural relations.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474478670