Terrorism in the twenty-first century / Cindy C. Combs.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Ch. 1. An Idea Whose Time Has Come? -- Ch. 2. Not a Modern Phenomenon -- Ch. 3. Ideology and Terrorism: Rights from Wrongs? -- Ch. 4. Criminals or Crusaders? -- Ch. 5. Terrorism by the State -- Ch. 6. "Terrorism, Inc." -- Ch. 7. How Do They Operate? -- Ch. 8. Legal Perspectives on Terrorism -- Ch. 9. Counterterrorism: The Use of Special Forces -- Ch. 10. Terrorism, Intelligence, and the Law -- Ch. 11. Security Measures: A Frail Defense -- Ch. 12. Future Trends.

Cindy C. Combs examines what is known of terrorism in the twentieth century and explains its primary characteristics of what, who, why, and how. She notes a recent shift from the ideologies of extreme left-wing terrorism of the 1960s and 1970s toward the fundamentalism of the extreme right. She discusses the frightening questions raised by state-sponsored and nuclear terrorism. After evaluating twentieth-century conditions of terrorism, the author predicts future trends.

This fascinating study puts terrorism in perspective, identifies specific characteristics of terrorists, and presents various responses to terrorism and their legal ramifications. A number of case studies highlight the text.