Global Terrorism

Until recently, the odds of an individual becoming the victim of a terrorist attack in a democracy like the United States were miniscule. However, the ability of a small number of terrorists - like those who just attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon - to strike a sudden devastating blow highlights how increasingly vulnerable we are. The proliferation and availability of sophisticated weapons have made the issue of terrorism more urgent than ever. Terrorist groups no longer rely solely on firepower to make theie message heard; with cyberterrorism and bioterrorism, the range of victims affected can be far greater than previously imagined. This reference guide is a balanced examination of the complex political and social issues surrounding this phenomena. The book features an historical overview; a modern survey; laws, legal issues and court cases; a chronology; brief biographies; and a list of relevant organizations.