Historical dictionary of terrorism

Essential ready-reference on terrorism around the world The horrific events of 11 September 2001 caught the world at large off-guard and drove home how terrorists can now destroy and disrupt the lives of millions of people. From the earlier complacency about terrorism impacting only some traditional fault-lines, the airplane-bomb destruction of New York World Trade Center towers and a portion of the Pentagon brought home the ever-present threat of a terrorist attack anywhere and anytime, leaving people suddenly searching for a better understanding of this "new war". This dictionary packs in a wealth of information regarding major terrorist groups around the world, significant terrorist events and the weapons of terror. Beginning with acts of terrorism from the first century to latter-day leftist, rightist, secessionist and religious fundamentalists, this book offers rich insights into how and why such groups originate and how they operate, including: Types of terrorism Classification of terrorist groups New players and changing motivations of terrorists Impact of technology on contemporary terrorism and the future threats of weapons of mass destruction and cyber-terrorism. Pertinent international laws and legal doctrines are also covered, and the book extensive bibliography presents essential further resources useful for the study and prevention of terrorism. A special section on terrorism in South Asia makes available for easy reference the long-running phenomenon of terrorism in the region highlighting its main protagonists, important events, including assassination of two Indian prime ministers, and cross-border terrorism. This timely reference work holds wide appeal for government officials, security experts, analysts and researchers, journalists, and the general public in fact, anyone seeking a better, fuller understanding of the growing world-wide menace of terrorism.