“Terror for Profit by Dr. Martin J. Gallagher” (Press, Edinburgh Reporter)

By John Hislop, Terror for Profit by Dr. Martin J. Gallagher, Edinburgh Reporter, August 2, 2024

In his career Gallagher recruited informants, spent days in a disused warehouse to get a photograph of an ex-French Foreign Legion veteran flooding a city with Heroin, and persuaded jihadists of the futility of their cause.  

He has fought, sometimes in their own homes, with Scotland’s most serious criminals and has surveilled Terrorists and Organised Crime Groups. He has broken bones, been stitched up, and lost teeth.  

He also holds a degree in Philosophy, master’s degrees in criminal justice studies and Terrorism Studies, and a PhD in Criminology, with all post graduate qualifications achieved while working full-time with the police. 

Now, drawing on his vast experience and knowledge he wrote ‘Terror for Profit ‘ which examines two phenomena often seen as existing on the periphery of terrorism research: lone wolf terrorists and the relationship between terrorism and organised crime.  

According to the book, these phenomena offer new possibilities for comprehending modern terrorism and its potential progression.  

Drawing on David Rapoport’s theory of four waves of modern terrorism, the book explores the distinct phases of terrorist activity since the 1880s, including the anarchist, anti-colonial, new left, and religious waves. 

Contrary to popular belief, the book challenges the view that contemporary terrorism remains in the grip of the religious wave.  

It suggests that there is evidence of a new wave or iteration of terrorism emerging, based on the analysis of lone wolf terrorists and the crime-terror nexus.  

Moreover, the book raises questions about the role of mental health in lone-wolf terrorism and delves into the implications of the fluidity of individuality and identity when it comes to understanding terrorist motivations. 

The book takes a novel approach to re-examining the relationship between terrorism and organized crime by focusing on the individual actors rather than the groups they claim membership or allegiance to.  

By doing so, the book argues that we can identify common factors and influences across diverse terrorist campaigns, thus gaining a deeper understanding of the evolving nature of terrorism. 

Scotland’s first female Chief Constable Norma Graham who also served in Lothian and Borders Police said: “In his debut work, Martin Gallagher draws on a long and successful career in policing to examine aspects of contemporary terrorism and present a fresh perspective on this major global threat.  

“A fascinating book for anyone who wants to develop their understanding in this critical area and essential reading for those operating in the world of counterterrorism. 

Paddy Tomkins, former Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police, and former Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland added: “Dr Gallagher’s book is a vital and provocative contribution to that growing body of learning, as well as presenting a useful tool for understanding the protean nature of terrorism, its practitioners, and the forces that drive them. 

“His arguments are well-judged exhortations to avoid focusing on taxonomy as an alternative to the analysis of form, function, and effect of a most pernicious aspect of criminality.

Martin J. Gallagher is a former Superintendent with Police Scotland. He joined Lothian and Borders Police in 1994 and following a few years in uniform progressed to work in various detective disciplines, both as a Detective Constable and Detective Sergeant.  

On promotion to Inspector, he was seconded to Glasgow and worked on UK-level crisis events. On the formation of Police Scotland, he spent some time in Executive Support roles before posting to Paisley, Scotland’s largest town.  

He was Area Commander, reducing serious violence in the town by 40%. Martin then moved into a technology project before being promoted to superintendent.  

He received three commendations for personal bravery during his service.  

He holds a degree in Philosophy, master’s degrees in criminal justice studies and Terrorism Studies, and a PhD in Criminology. All his postgraduate qualifications were achieved while working full-time with the police.  

He is a regular media commentator on these subjects and has recently worked with the BBC, Sky News, and LBC.