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.