Dr. Verena Erlenbusch Anderson

Biography

Verena Erlenbusch-Anderson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Illinois. Her research focuses on political theory, particularly the intersections of terrorism, violence, and Western political culture. In her book, 'Genealogies of Terrorism: Revolution, State Terror, Empire' (Columbia University Press, 2018), she analyzes the assumptions surrounding terrorism in the context of the post-9/11 era. Her work draws on extensive archival research into U.S. and French counterterrorism, as well as historical movements like the Algerian Revolution and the French Revolution. She argues that the concept of terrorism has deep historical roots and has been used as a mechanism of social defense. Her ongoing projects seek to uncover the ways terrorism has shaped American life since 2001, revealing its complex relationship to societal struggles and perceived threats.

Research Interests