“The Lessons of Terror: A History of Warfare Against Civilians” by C. Carr

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Introduction: Only when the other side does it

In his book “Lessons of terror” Caleb Carr describes terrorism and notes that terrorism has been a constant in all martial history contrary to how people perceive it as being a contemporary event. In the introduction, he scrutinizes terrorism in the past and the present which has incorporated a wider assortment of weapons. Carr notes that when one state or country targets its enemy state, this mission always fails in restoration of peace as it creates a recurrence of revenge. Terrorism is normally one-sided, as it is always initiated by one party. His main emphasis is that terrorism, in the long run, fails as political and martial diplomacy.

A catastrophe, not a cure

The first chapter titled “A Catastrophe, Not a Cure” is the groundwork for Carr’s case. He claims that terrorism has existed over a long period of time though it had different names. As early as in the eighteenth century, the Romans referred terrorism to as destructive war. Caleb Carr introduces the concept of warfare directed at civilians. Roman soldiers were allowed to rape and take plunder as a reward for their dedication to the battle. In this chapter Carr also explains how when the civilians were attacked without any provocation, they ended up retaliating and thus a vicious revenge cycle followed. To prevent this revenge cycle the author suggests that the society should feel included in any expeditions.

Dulce Bellum inexpertis

In his second chapter “Dulce Bellum Inexpertis” Carr uses the Latin phrase by Pindar as his title which means that “war is sweet to those who have never experienced it” in this chapter he expresses the realism of war and refutes the myths of warfare. War results in physical destruction. There is so much torment that is caused by war as illustrated by Carr in his examples. This chapter leads to the conclusion that war is never beneficial, in fact it leads to long-term misery and tribulations.

Industry and cunning

Carr argues that the main aim for warfare should be to promote peace, in this chapter however it is seen that one attack leads to another counterattack. Terrorism is used by some nations to gain power over others as brought out in this chapter. Most of the terrorists use cunning methods to deliberately fight their enemy. It is for this reason that many countries are always investigating the next possible terrorist attacks to plot on their counterattacks. Some industries therefore continue to grow as a result of these terrorist attacks.

Covenants without the sword

This chapter reflects on the middle age when evangelical Christian and Muslim supporters, spread their gospel with the sword. Carr also observes that the Quran, Holy book of Muslims is against such behavior and pointless hostility. The Bible too does not condone such behavior as it is strictly condemned. Carr therefore observes that all evangelical crusaders should desist from all manners of violence as it is unethical and unacceptable.

Honor has no effect on them

In the fifth chapter Carr develops his terror lessons by means of analyzing military history. Deliberate war against civilians was the main tact that soldiers would use, not much has changed presently as the same logic is used. Many leaders are known to use terrorism for political success and for purposes of leaving a legacy of greatness as they perceive it to be.

To preach hatred

Many leaders base their reign on revenge they also implement many policies based on hate. It is for this reason as Carr describes that crime and terrorism are not going to stop any time soon. Many church and political leaders have in the past aided and supported their military that carries out crimes against humanity. A Leader should be a symbol of unity and should at all times strive to bring people together, this is contrary to what many leaders do as they fail to understand that hostility only results in bitterness and is counterproductive.

Violence to its utmost bounds

In this chapter, the author describes how in the ancient days warring militias used a lot of force on their enemy civilians, terrorist attacks were and still are characterized by rapes, manslaughters, destruction of property, cities and homes. Warfare is devastating and many people are oppressed to unimaginable measures. Military invasions inflict so much pain in many instances to obtain information or to cause their enemies to surrender. Carr being a military historian narrates most of the experiences people go through in the hands of the military; this chapter is descriptive of many forms of violence.

Fascinated by terror

The author reveals how some people are intrigued by inflicting pain and afflictions on others; he gives an example of Louis XVI who was pleasured by the non-combatant’s persecution for his political gain. He also narrates the war declaration of Sherman; Sherman ordered war on all South Americans including children. This he did not for martial success but for his own pleasure. The fascination with terror has resulted in more acts of terrorism as illustrated by the author.

This fundamentally repugnant philosophy

Carr refutes the notion that some people especially Muslims are designated as terrorists. He notes that being hostile to people does not make them humble but instead makes them more aggressive and results in massive attacks; also in this chapter he warns against waged wars like in the case of Sun-tsu. The policy that is commonly used to fight against terrorism is that, for one to defeat a terrorist he has to be one, it is compared to the philosophy of “to defeat a salvage you have to become one” this, Carr reports as being pointless. Many other tactics can be used in the war against terrorism Carr articulates. In contemporary terrorism people use “a tooth for a tooth” and “an eye for an eye”, the cycles of revenge as predicted by Carr are not likely to come to an end any time soon.

Shake hands with murder

In his final chapter Carr expounds on deep-rooted conflicts such as that one of Israel and Palestine. In this conflict he points out that terrorism and violence stemmed from leaders such as Menachem Begin and Stern Gang who organized acts of terrorism against government officials, Arab and Jewish civilians. The terrorism initiated by Menachem lives on and has led to Palestinian acts of terrorism. Such conflicts have constantly resulted in the murder of millions of people following attacks from either side. People therefore continue to suffer for sins that were committed by their forefathers and are thus live by hoping it shall one day come to an end.

Carr’s ideas in connection to contemporary terrorism

In his book Carr brings out contemporary terrorism as being politically fueled. He describes terrorism using illustrations from ancient Rome. Violence to civilians always culminates in more violence and never leads to realization of diplomatic success. In the present-day terrorism there are particular goals that are set to be achieved or a certain number of people who are set to be killed. He points out that terrorism always targets the military as terrorists hardly assail residential grounds. For instance in the 9/11 attack on the twin towers or the NATO attack in Serbia which ruined electricity plants, bridges and radio towers. An interesting observation is that terrorists should not be viewed as criminals but as war opponents. His rage at the CIA is also notable and even says that it should be scrapped off as it aids not in the fight against terrorism.

Relevance of terrorism to the global economy

Global terrorism is a reality in all the parts of the world; as a result of this lives of many people have been changed. In relation to the economy; diplomacy has been set up to promote cooperation between fighting countries and by so doing international relations have been facilitated through signing of treaties by the involved nations; this has helped crippled economies get on their feet. War always puts a country’s economy to its knees. Through such diplomacies several economies have improved translating to an improving global economy. In relation to improved global economy many investigative bureaus are always on the lookout for signs of terrorism attacks, ganging down terrorists and devising ways in which to prevent terrorist attacks. These methods help prevent the destruction that could otherwise obliterate the global economy. The weapon industry which contributes to the global economy gets to sell their weaponry which in turn benefits the economy. Terrorism attacks like that in the case of the 9/11 attacks, put down the American economy which is a major economy in the world. Many intellects, workers and data were lost. There was also a lot of damage caused by all these required restructurings which cost America a lot of money. Many countries provide safe havens for terrorists; the energy and resources spent covering up for them could be spent elsewhere like in the fight against poverty and developing their economy.

Conclusion

In conclusion terrorism is always been very detrimental as depicted in the book by Carr, from the historical analysis warfare never bears fruit but only leads to cycles of revenge. Better ways should thus be adapted to address issues of terrorism for instance diplomacy.

Work cited

Caleb Carr.”The Lessons of Terror: A History of Warfare against Civilians: Why It Has Always Failed and Why It Will Fail Again”. New York: Random House, 2002.

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