Counterterrorism and Identities: Canadian Viewpoints

Jack Jedwab

September 2015

The importance of analyzing public perceptions regarding national security cannot be underestimated when identifying counterterrorism approaches. Increasingly, maintaining public safety is considered a shared responsibility between the State and its citizens. Policy-makers seek cooperation with civil society and view community outreach as key to preventing terrorism. Public support and confidence is thus vital to institutions combatting terrorism.

Counterterrorism and Identities: Canadian Viewpoints monitors several factors shaping Canadian public opinion on terrorism. A detailed analysis of relevant and evolving perceptions is presented. This assessment is essential for researchers, policy-makers and community leaders looking to comprehend the mind-set of Canadians regarding terrorism.

Jack Jedwab is President of the Association for Canadian Studies and of the Canadian Institute of Identities and Migration. From 1994 to 1998 he served as Executive Director of the Quebec Region of the Canadian Jewish Congress. Dr. Jedwab, who holds a doctoral degree in Quebec history from Concordia University, has written essays in books, scholarly journals and in newspapers across the country and is the founding editor of the magazines Canadian Issues and Canadian Diversity. Most recently he co-authored a new introduction for University of Toronto Press’s 50th anniversary edition of John Porter’s Canadian sociological classic, The Vertical Mosaic.