FEATURE: New terrorism studies book co-authored by TAMIU professor
By David Medina Jr.
Bridge contributing writer
Published Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2025
A Texas A&M International University professor joined forces with a Sam Houston University professor to expose terrorism.
TAMIU Associate Professor Huseyin Cinoglu and Sam Houston University Professor Mitchel Roth collaborated to co-author a new book on terrorism studies. The Oct. 1 publication seeks to shine a light on a subject often difficult to understand, given the amount of pre-existing information.
Associate Professor of Social Science Cinoglu Huseyin poses with his new book Typologies of Terrorist Organizations in his office on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025.
Early on, the authors of Typologies of Terrorist Organizations recognized that the topic of terrorism is often fraught with misinformation and various opposing views. Their agreed view is that most of the existing information and literature either oversimplifies the topic or tends to overwhelm readers with legal jargon.
Their goal was to create a balance, providing clear explanations without losing depth. By doing this, they hope to create a better understanding of the causes of terrorism, as well as possible solutions.
To achieve this goal, the book is structured around major international events that have shaped the overall discussion of terrorism. It includes, but not limited to the 9/11 attacks, as well as the October 2024 Hamas attacks in Turkey. It also covers the rise of ISIS, with its advanced use of social media and brutal attacks, as well as the operations of other terrorist organizations.
“The reader should expect to find topics such as the Waco Siege, the Ruby Ridge standoff, among other events,” Cinoglu said.
While the book covers a broad spectrum of international events, Cinoglu and Roth recognize that terrorism isn’t confined to a single region or ideology. For this, they included examples labeled as home-grown terrorism. Both authors agreed that including these events was crucial, due to their profound impact on U.S. law enforcement.
The book also covers eco-sabotage campaigns, which illustrates how environmental extremism has emerged as another outlet of the broad landscape of terrorism.
By covering both national and international events, the book offers readers a comprehensive perspective often overlooked or excluded from other works on the subject. Roth said they took a unique approach in each chapter.
“Every typology chapter in the book ends with detailed strategies: military, intelligence, financial, community resilience as well as online counter-messaging,” Roth explained.
He also emphasized that there is no single solution to the issue of terrorism.
“Most groups operate differently,” he said. “So, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work.”
One challenge the authors faced was how to define terrorism in simple terms. Ultimately, they agreed that terrorism is “the premeditated, unlawful, use or threat of violence by subnational actors against non-combatants.” They believe this definition captures the most essential elements of the subject, while also avoiding unnecessary complications.
While the task of jointly writing the book was at times difficult, both found the process to be rewarding
“It was lively, as well as constructive,” Cinoglu explained, “but we relied on constant peer review.”
As the book neared completion, they both considered what they’d like readers to take away from their work.
“We want readers to leave with three lessons: nuance matters, threats keep evolving and thinking is essential to craft both humane and effective policies,” Roth said.
Through their collaboration, they aim to shine a light on the complexities of the subject and contribute to the ongoing discussions about how to strengthen both domestic and international security.
By providing a balanced and accessible account, they hope to equip readers with the knowledge needed to engage thoughtfully on one of the most pressing issues of this time. This book could stand as a testament to the value of scholarship and the importance of welcomed dialogue in addressing the challenges that continue to affect communities here and elsewhere in the world.
As terrorism continues to shape the geopolitical landscape and continues to evolve, work like this new book remains essential in educating a younger generation. The authors hope this will eventually contribute to change and the fight against terrorism.
