The political implications of terrorism and its effect on the public in democratic nations is examined, as is the relationship between terrorist ideologies and totalitarianism. Following an examination of the historical and religious foundations of Islamic terrorism, both domestic and international, cooperation among terrorist groups is considered, with emphasis on the role of the Soviet bloc and the Arab States (including the Palestinian Liberation Organization) in funding, training, arming, harboring, and otherwise supporting an international terrorist network. Also examined is the way in which media coverage of terrorist incidents contributes to the overall effectiveness and escalation of terrorism. International law and agreements with implications for the battle against international and State-sponsored terrorism are discussed. Counterterrorist measures implemented by such Western democracies as the United States, West Germany, and Japan are described. Finally, the need for international cooperation and collaboration in dealing with the international terrorist threat is discussed with reference to possible legal, economic, political, and military sanctions. A panel discussion on terrorism and the media is appended. Index and list of contributors. For separate papers, see NCJ 101511-101526.