Deconstructing Terrorist Violence: Faith as a Mask By: Ram Puniyani

Deconstructing Terrorist Violence: Faith as a Mask

Ram Puniyani, currently serving as the Chairman at the Center for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai, presents an insightful analysis of terrorism in his book, Deconstructing Terrorist Violence: Faith as a Mask.

The author, who previously held the position of Professor of Biomedical Engineering at IIT Mumbai and took voluntary retirement to focus on communal harmony, has been actively involved in human rights activities for two decades. His extensive experience and dedication to societal causes bring depth and credibility to his work.

About the Book

Deconstructing Terrorist Violence: Faith as a Mask, published by Sage Pubns, is a hardcover book with dimensions of 19mm (Depth) x 216mm (Height) x 146mm (Width), and a spine width of 23mm. It weighs 363 grams, making it comfortable to handle while ensuring durability.

The book is available in English, with a Dewey number of 201.763, indicating its classification within the social sciences category. It has an ISBN-13 of 9789351500643, LCCN of 2014040232, and was published on 03 Apr 2015.

With 180 pages, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of its subject matter, printed in English. It is not a Print On Demand title (PrintOnDemand::N), ensuring ready availability and quality production.

Academic Level & Binding

The book is aimed at an academic level readership, making it suitable for students, researchers, and scholars studying terrorism, politics, and religion. Its hardcover binding (HARDCOVER) provides lasting protection for frequent use.

Content Overview

• Preface: World Gripped by Terror: Puniyani begins with a thought-provoking question, challenging the conventional wisdom that terrorism is inherently religious.
• Introduction: The Politics of Terror in Contemporary Times: The author sets the stage for his analysis by examining the contemporary terror landscape and its political underpinnings.
• I. TERRORISM TODAY: THE GLOBAL SCENE
  • A World Gripped by Terror
  • Changing Goals of Colonialism–Imperialism: From ‘White Man’s Burden’ to ‘War Against Terror’
  • Islam: Through the Ages
• II. TERRORISM TODAY: THE VIEW FROM INDIA
  • Hindutva Terrorism
  • From Hindu, Hinduism, to Hindutva
• III. INDIA: A VICTIM OF GLOBAL TERROR
  • Al Qaeda Strikes: The Mumbai Terror Attack
• IV. RELIGION, POLITICS, AND TERRORISM
  • Civilizations–Religions: Clash or Alliance
  • Religion, Power, and Violence
• Appendices, Bibliography, Index: These sections provide additional resources and support the author's arguments.

Themes & Arguments

Throughout the book, Puniyani argues that terrorism is primarily a political phenomenon rather than a religious one. He challenges the ‘clash of civilizations’ narrative and instead presents a nuanced analysis of how power dynamics shape religious identities and conflicts.

By examining historical and contemporary examples, the author demonstrates how colonialism, imperialism, and global politics have shaped terrorism. He also challenges the notion that Islam is inherently violent by exploring its diverse interpretations throughout history.

The Author's Perspective

Puniyani's personal involvement in human rights activities lends credibility to his analysis of terrorist violence. His academic background in biomedical engineering, combined with his interest in societal causes, enables him to approach complex political and religious issues from a unique perspective.

In addition to his role at the Center for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai, Puniyani is associated with various secular and democratic initiatives, including All India Secular Forum, Anhad, and other groups working for workers' rights. This commitment to social justice informs his analysis of terrorism and its underlying political motivations.

Recommended For

• Students and scholars studying terrorism, politics, religion, and sociology.
• Policymakers and practitioners seeking a nuanced understanding of global terror dynamics.
• General readers interested in current affairs, social justice, and the complex intersection of religion and politics.

Deconstructing Terrorist Violence: Faith as a Mask is an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of terrorism's political roots. By challenging conventional wisdom and offering compelling arguments supported by historical evidence, Puniyani provides invaluable insights into the complex interplay between religion, politics, and violence.