The analysis uses perspectives from history, psychology, law, political science, and sociology to describe major individuals and groups historically involved in terrorist activities in the United States and the world. The text explains modern terrorist tactics and countertactics, terrorist groups and organizations in the United States, victims of terrorist acts, and the relationship between terrorism and the mass media. It also discusses terrorist kidnappings, techniques for negotiating the release of hostages, the possible link between drug traffickers and terrorism, and female terrorists. Legal and policy issues affecting the containment of terrorist threats and prospects for preventing terrorism are also examined with emphasis on the need to consider terrorism as a novel kind of warfare and a current danger to the United States and other democracies. Tables, chapter discussion questions and reference lists, glossary, and index