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  • © 2019

Terrorism, Technology and Apocalyptic Futures

Palgrave Macmillan
  • Argues that the theory of apocalypse has arrived at a new stage in our contemporary society

  • Intended for students, researchers and fieldworkers in the social sciences and political anthropology

  • Includes chapters on Max Brooks's World War Z, 9/11, bottom tourism, and the dark side of technology

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Table of contents (8 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xv
  2. Eschatology and the Theory of Apocalypse

    • Maximiliano E. Korstanje
    Pages 1-17
  3. Interrogating on the Essence of the Zombie World

    • Maximiliano E. Korstanje
    Pages 19-43
  4. The Undesired Other

    • Maximiliano E. Korstanje
    Pages 45-62
  5. The War on Terror

    • Maximiliano E. Korstanje
    Pages 63-79
  6. Tourism in the Days of Morbid Consumption

    • Maximiliano E. Korstanje
    Pages 81-101
  7. Israel State, Genocide and Thana-Capitalism

    • Maximiliano E. Korstanje
    Pages 103-121
  8. Disasters in the Society of Fear

    • Maximiliano E. Korstanje
    Pages 123-141
  9. Conclusion

    • Maximiliano E. Korstanje
    Pages 143-150
  10. Back Matter

    Pages 151-154

About this book

This book centers on the power of mythical narratives and technology in creating the idea of a world that should be purged. The introduction of sin, the fall and other disruptive conflict have led mankind towards a world of scarcity, where suffering and sacrifice prevail. The author analyzes this apocalypse theory, which describes humans’ perversion by the use of technology, self-consciousness and knowledge. Based on an anthropological viewpoint, the book not only discusses the nature of bottom days, but explores other related sub-themes such as capitalism, terrorism, dark tourism, the essence of evil and the power of prophecy, coining the term thana-capitalism to denote a new stage of capitalism where death is the main commodity exchanged.

Reviews

“In this book, the author brings to bear an insightful collage of perspectives to critique today’s apocalyptic global culture. Using studies of mythology, tourism, hospitality, terrorism, popular culture, and capitalism, Maximiliano Korstanje weaves a narrative that is both frightening and potentially redeeming. It is redeeming, at any rate, for those who heave the hearts and minds to avert a looming global catastrophe brought about by human hubris and a political economic system run amuck.” (Geoffrey Skoll - Emeritus Professor at State University of New York at Buffalo, US)

“Professor Maximiliano Korstanje weaves a brilliant reflective documentary of our terror-driven world culture, based on factual interpretations of seminal literature.  Unlike any author, Korstanje uses a writing style of grounding his theoretical claims in diverse seminal works.  No other author can shock and challenge our thinking like Korstanje with his customary extreme polarized claims dove-tailed into controversial yet realistic propositions. Reading his book will open your mind and stimulate your thinking about what new research we need to do to better understand and improve our fatalistically failing future (while there is still time to fix our global problems)”  (Dr. Kenneth David Strang (Editor in Chief of Int. Journal of Risk and Contingency Management- State University of New York at Plattsburgh, US)

“The book: 'Terrorism, technology and apocalyptic future', is a must read. The topic is very broad and could be applied to any sector. More importantly, it is topically to the 21st century. Reading this book could help practitioners, researchers, students and anyone to understand key issues this world is facing. I strongly recommend the book.” (Dr Hugues Seraphin, Senior Lecturer; University of Winchester Business School, England)

“Zombie mythology calls for protection. Maximiliano Korstanje’s provocative book integrates traditional apocalyptic myths with contemporary issues that reflect new forms of terrorism, social control, popular culture, the politics of fear, and propaganda stigmatizing various “others,” including refugees, immigrants, racial minorities.” (David L. Altheide - Regents’ Professor Emeritus, Arizona State University, US- and author of Terrorism and the Politics of Fear, 2017)

“Korstanje interrogates the threats of terrorism and technology to modern society through the use of apocalypse theories. Based on inspired use of classical mythology and contemporary culture, he posits how technology can contribute towards the acceleration of the decline of humanity rather than the intent of improving society. This book is an important work in rethinking the impact of technology in society.”  (Brett van Niekerk, Co-Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Cyber Warfare and Terrorism – University of Kwazulu Natal, South-Africa)

“Maximiliano Korstanje has gained a strong reputation for his critical engagement with the terror-inspiring conditions of the increasingly nonsensical twenty-first century. His new book furthers his argument that in accepting the official narratives for world events – narratives that have been promoted by government officials, mainstream media representatives, and some academics – is to willingly embrace fear and terror. In times where myths are the basis of reality, where Slenderman co-exists with climate change denial, fake news, and a decline in faith in democracy, Korstanje’s book is a timely warning to resist, think again, and make better decisions.” (Dr. Luke Howie – Deputy Director: Global, Terrorism Research Center- Monash University, Australia) 


Authors and Affiliations

  • University of Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Maximiliano E. Korstanje

About the author

Maximiliano E. Korstanje is Senior Researcher in the Department of Economics at the University of Palermo, Argentina. His work specializes in terrorism, mobilities and tourism.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 69.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access