Just War: Psychology and Terrorism

The invasion and occupation of Iraq by US and UK forces in March 2003 set in motion a global chain of events, from the growth of terrorist networks to the curtailment of civil liberties, from which the dust has yet to settle. The war in Iraq-seen as part of the wider 'War on Terror' is perhaps a watershed for the discipline of Psychology, posing uncomfortable questions for the psychological community regarding the stance adopted towards the powerful and the privileged. This book utilises the invasion of Iraq and the 'War on Terror' to explore perspectives on peace, conflict and protest to deconstruct the psychological and cultural processes which support the normalisation of imperial wars. It calls for a more socially responsible psychology in the 21st century, unshackled from state interests, one which places human rights firmly at its centre. This book should appeal to lay people and readers from a wide variety of social science backgrounds - including psychology, history and international relations.