The first major book in the area of terrorism studies to be published in Australia with a uniquely Australian outlook has been launched today at Curtin University.
Terrorism and Global Security: Historical and Contemporary Perspective, written by Curtin Research Fellow, Dr Anne Aly, was officially launched by the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs.
It is also the first book on the subject to be written by a female Australian Muslim of Arabic background.
Dr Aly said the book takes a multidisciplinary approach to terrorism drawing from psychology, political science, criminology and sociology.
“The book will provide students of terrorism studies and those with an interest in the area with a comprehensive understanding of terrorism, its origins, history and evolution,” Dr Aly said.
“It includes case studies, discussion questions and examples drawn from history and the contemporary context.
“The text covers both terrorism and counter terrorism and examines emerging trends in terrorism and new technologies.”
Professor Jeanette Hacket, Curtin Vice-Chancellor, congratulated Dr Aly on her new book.
“The book will be an invaluable resource to students in the area of security studies and I congratulate Dr Aly on this outstanding contribution to the field of international security,” Professor Hacket said.
“I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Dr Aly who has recently moved to Curtin. She will be a great asset for the University and bring with her considerable industry and research experience.”
Dr Anne (Azza) Aly was born in Egypt and migrated to Australia at the age of two. She is a graduate of the American University in Cairo.
Her research was funded by the Australian Research Council’s Safeguarding Australia Initiative and explored responses to the fear of terrorism among Muslim Australians and the broader community.
Anne has published widely in the area of counter terrorism, extremism, radicalisation and Islamist ideologies.
In 2009, Dr Aly was appointed to the Council for Australian Arab Relations at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In March 2011, she was inducted into the inaugural Women’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her work in counter terrorism and her contributions to the field of security studies.
