Unbiased in perspective, this text makes clear not only what terrorism is, and has been, but also what it may be like in this new century. Using clear, careful explanations of concepts and case studies of real events, it makes this multidimensional, complex, and emotionally tinged phenomena accessible and understandable to those with no scholarly background in the subject. The text 1) examines the known facets of contemporary terrorism—explaining what terrorism is, who carries it out, and how terrorist acts are committed; 2) analyzes the laws and special forces which nations within the international community have created to meet this challenge; and 3) predicts forthcoming patterns of terrorism in the new century. Post-Cold War in focus, it helps today's students evaluate the dimensions of the problems presented by contemporary terrorism—which affect them directly and indirectly—and challenges them to develop solutions.