Much of the conflict in the world is a function of the struggle between communal groups holding on to their interests and values and the nation, which demands new symbols and loyalties that transcend local interests. The superpowers do not cause these problems, but they do influence them. A significant amount of conflict and terror pertains to ethnic or communal interests in a particular region or nation. Thus, terrorism is not purely anti-American. It has other goals, targets, and arenas. Terrorism cannot be accurately explained without reference to underdevelopment, frustrated economic and symbolic needs, and the legacies of colonialism. Conflict management is a promising strategy for addressing terrorism. This requires the development of sound theories and reliable empirical evidence regarding factors contributing to conflict. For the majority of protracted social conflicts in the world today, addressing underdevelopment, exponential population growth, and ethnic and religious grievances is likely to reduce the frequency and severity of conflict and terrorism.