Understanding Terrorism in America Extremism and Democracy

Since 1950 there have been around three thousand terrorist attacks, ranging from the Ku Klux Klan's campaign of terror against the civil rights movement, through the waves of attacks by the neo-nazi Aryan resistance, to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terrorist network. This comprehensive and accessible work surveys the characteristics and causes of terrorism and governmental responses to it.

It also examines the organizational structure of terrorist networks, how they are financed, and their ideological agendas. Groups covered include: Islamic fundamentalists, white and black racists, black nationalists, revolutionary communists, neo-nazis, militant Jewish groups, anti-abortionists and emigre groups.

Understanding Terrorism in American provides a highly readable account for interested readers wishing to know more about a topic which has recently become tragically relevant in world affairs.