Homeland Insecurity Terrorism, Mass Shootings and the Public

"Homeland InSecurity is a timely and comprehensive examination of the intersection of fear, conspiracy thinking, and violence. Drawing upon The Chapman Survey of American Fears, the authors present a rich and rigorous analysis of the vicious cycle linking fears, real or imagined, to physical attacks on fellow citizens, and government policy responses. This impressive and original volume puts into present-day focus Benjamin Franklin's maxim regarding the tension between liberty and security. As dividing lines continue to harden between adversaries and political violence becomes more frequent, there has never been a greater need for such an instructive book. Anyone with even a passing interest in the roots of political violence in the contemporary United States should give this insightful book a close read."

Todd L. Belt, Professor and Director, Political Management Program, The George Washington University

"This distressingly timely book uses data from the Chapman University trend study of American Fears to describe what frightens us, especially fears of violence in public spaces like schools, churches, and shopping malls. Then the authors look to recent events and national data to see why those fears are not all that irrational. Finally, however, they describe some positive developments that may give us hope for the future."

Earl Babbie, Campbell Professor Emeritus in Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University