Democracies have been successful in containing terrorism and limiting its direct damage; however, terrorism can cause serious harm to democracies, especially in combination with other factors that erode and strain democracy. In weak democracies, terrorism can be pivotal in undermining the regime by creating further instability. As long as the costs of terrorism to democracies can be absorbed, no radical changes in counterterrorism policies should be introduced. Still, contingency preparation of counterterrorism grand policies should occur to permit proper and timely response to new situations and any expansionist tendencies. A suggested grand policy is that the monopoly of democratic governments over the use of violence should be reasserted, with strict thresholds established aganist shortcutting democratic political processes through militant action. Further, it is suggested that the support other governments provide for terrorism be regarded as an act of aggression, justifying counterattacks, abolition of diplomatic immunities, and similar steps. Also, access to knowledge and materials for mass killing should be strictly controlled. Public counterterrorism policies should be strictly enforced, with private corporations and individuals bound to refuse payment of ransom or negotiations with hostagetakers. Symbolic awards to terrorists, such as the mass-media treatment of former terrorists, should be inhibited. Procedures for developing grand strategies are discussed.