The first chapter summarizes the fundamental concepts and theories of terrorism including definitional problems, typologies of terrorism, and the morality of terrorism. An outline of the historical antecedents of terrorism discusses the Zealots, Assassins, Narodnaya Volya, the anarchist tradition, and terrorism and violence in the U.S. The role of the mass media in terrorism through the copycat syndrome, propaganda value, and impact on law enforcement is analyzed. Domestic terrorist groups in the U.S. are discussed including, inter alia, Puerto Rican independence groups, the Jewish Defense League, the ideological left, and the ideological right. Another chapter covers international terrorism in the Middle East and Western Europe, committed by groups including Palestinian terrorists and the Irish Republican Army. Terrorist tactics which are discussed in detail include hostage taking, bombing, assassination, and political murder. Counterterrorist tactics range from security measures to preemptive and retaliatory operations, covert military operations, and legal remedies. Issues in the future of terrorism include the Arab-Israeli conflict, Islamic extremism, low-intensity warfare, super terrorism, and the influence of terrorism on democracy.