Basic ground rules are identified that should be followed by liberal democracies in taking a tough line against terrorism. They include upholding the rule of law, avoiding recourse to indiscriminate repression, retention of civilian control of overall antiterrorist operations, countering terrorist propaganda, and maintaining a steady and consistent security policy so as not to undermine public confidence in the government. A description of the 'two wars' strategy, defined as a counterinsurgency campaign to simultaneously isolate insurgents and strengthen popular support for the government, notes the importance of stopping the flow of recruits into terrorist organizations. Other measures described that can be utilized by democratic states include use of national police as intelligence agents, deployment of national armies to combat substantial terrorist operations, mobilization of the public through increasing enrollment in the police reserves and through concerted programs of public information and education, and extension of police powers to detention without trial. On the international level, multilateral police and intelligence cooperation and bilateral agreements are cited as effective measures. However, the 'political' offenses loophole of international antiterrorist conventions, which permits states to withhold extradition of terrorists if they regard the specific offense as political, is seen as seriously obstructing the functioning of these conventions. To avoid the complexities of national extradition laws, the need for a European judicial area with a uniform legal procedure dealing with terrorism is recognized; the problems of establishing such a mechanism are discussed. In conclusion, Western democratic governments are advised not to over-react to international terrorism and some practical, inexpensive steps are recommended to cope with terrorist actions. Eight notes are provided.