Terrorism is defined as a violent act committed by groups or individuals for a political purpose. The use of threat of violence serves to gain media attention to help further the terrorists' political goals. This quest for publicity serves as the hallmark of all terrorist activity. A typical terrorist organization is described, along with a typical individual terrorist (a young man in his early 20's from a middle- or upper-class family). The views of Dr. Steve Pieczenik, a practicing psychiatrist and experienced hostage negotiator, are introduced. He classifies three distinct types of terrorists: rational ideologs, sociopaths, and psychotics. The program concludes by dispelling popular misconceptions about internationally organized and financed terrorist organizations. Although clear evidence exists that Libya, North Korea, Yemen, and Cuba have established training centers for terrorist organizations, no proof exists to support the notion that foreign governments force people to become terrorists or that the Soviet Union directs an international network of terrorist activities. However, the Soviets do support many wars of national liberation that rely heavily on terrorist activities. (Author summary modified)