Includes bibliographical references (p. 323-329) and index.

Introduction: the terrorist threat -- The perennial debate: what is terrorism? -- Terrorism in the global context -- Terrorism in the American context -- Religious terrorism: political violence in the name of God -- The making of terrorists : causes, conditions, influences -- From state sponsors to involuntary hosts -- Common thread : goals, targets, tactics -- Organizational structures and the financing of terror -- Terrorism and America's post-9/11 national security strategy -- The utility of hard and soft power in counterterrorism -- Balancing security, liberty, and human rights -- Homeland security : preparedness and prevention -- Terrorist propaganda and the media -- Terror and hate in cyberspace -- Anti- and counterterrorism in the news -- Conclusion: living with terrorist threats.