The Aftermath

Abstract Western Europe has been confronted with several terrorist attacks over the past years. This book investigates what happens “right of bang”: after such attacks have taken place. Scholars emphasize that terrorism is not just about killing, as terrorists want to capture the attention of an audience. How these audiences respond to terrorist attacks largely determines the eventual impact of terrorism on societies. There has been a lack of attention devoted to studying these responses. This book sheds light on responses to terrorism as a crucial phase in the life cycle of terrorism. Combining insights from various academic disciplines, this book investigates the meaning-making process after the jihadist attacks in Brussels, Nice, Berlin, and Manchester. The study focuses on two core actor groups, authorities and citizens, and their use of frames, rituals, and symbols. Special attention is devoted to the first day, the first week, and around the first anniversary. A unique and extensive dataset of responses has been built and analyzed. Studying four countries and four languages allows the author to make international comparisons. This book argues that the terrorists were quickly pushed off stage after performing their violent opening acts, doomed to stand behind the curtains and watch a different play unfold. Citizens were more capable of showing restraint and resilience than authorities. This book discusses the implications for our understanding of terrorism as a violent communication strategy. It also formulates a number of concrete policy recommendations for policymakers and professionals confronted with dealing with the aftermath of terrorist attacks.