This critical anthology, Terrorists or Freedom Fighters? Reflections on the Liberation of Animals, investigates the clandestine faction known as the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). In a holistic collection of essays from academics, writers, political prisoners and activists it uncovers the true nature of the group who, along with other “eco-terrorists,” are deemed the number one domestic terrorist threat by the FBI.

The book opens with an introduction from social justice scholar and Native American Ward Churchill who, although not an animal rights activist, recognizes the need for expanded discourse on animal rights and its parallels with other liberation movements such as the Jewish Resistance – an analogy that is looked at further in Maxwell Shurner’s article “At the Gates of Hell: The ALF and the Legacy of Holocaust Resistance.”

The book is edited into sections on History, Liberation, Motivation, Perception, Tactics and Terror. Throughout the book philosophical examinations interweave with compelling history and accounts from the underground. It shows the story of how a group with roots in 19th century fox hunt saboteurs has expanded into an international underground resistance: one that has liberated countless animals, cost vivisectors millions in property damage and brought focus to the grotesque cruelty of animal enterprises.

The section on terror, an increasingly common topic in the animal rights discourse, examines the ominous implications of statutes such as the US Patriot Act that vaguely define what constitutes and can be punished as an act of terrorism. Simply advocating direct action could now mean a 23 year sentence. Yet, the real “terrorists” in this struggle are those who routinely kill and torture animals.

The ALF acts to defend these animals. Anthony Nocella’s article on understanding the ALF through critical pedagogy shows the importance of recognizing the group’s motivations. In viewing life through their lens one can “transcend the false rhetoric of “terrorism” and approach the real purpose of the struggle – animal liberation.” We see their struggle; these activists risk everything to free the animals. Clearly, with a desire for all creatures to live in harmony, they are rooted in a philosophy of compassion.

Published in 2004, Terrorists of Freedom Fighters? has already made waves and has established itself as one of the fundamental books in the animal rights movement. It is a must read for understanding animal liberation in the context of other social justice movements, and an essential tool for activists and academics to gain comprehensive understanding of the group who, as the introduction states, “are concerned and compassionate citizens who cannot tolerate violence toward animals, and who will go to extraordinary lengths to stop extraordinary wrongs.” ( )