The Bearded Bandit, the Outlaw Cop, and the Naked Emperor: Towards a North-South (De)Construction of the Texts and Contexts of International Law's (Dis)Engagement with Terrorism

Abstract

Few issues in our times have produced as much heated rhetoric as terrorism. Ironically, while terrorism has become a familiar word, its meaning is among the least understood. While it would be tolerable if the ideological or propagandistic use of the word "terrorism" were solely a pastime of ordinary people doing ordinary things, it is intolerable that top policymakers entrusted with the duty of securing the populace are unwilling to engage in serious thinking about this concept.