Inside Terrorism

Widely praised by critics and experts, Bruce Hoffman's "Inside Terrorism" quickly became a crucial resource for anyone interested in understanding terrorism, its historical evolution, and the terrorist mindset. In this eagerly anticipated revised edition, Bruce Hoffman considers developments in global terrorism since the book was first published in 1998. He provides an informative analysis of the new adversaries, motivations, and tactics that have surfaced in recent years and addresses the challenges involved in preventing future terrorist acts. Exploring the threats posed by contemporary terrorists, Hoffman explains how al Qaeda has changed since 9/11 and the reasons behind its resiliency, resonance, and longevity. He pays close attention to their use of the Internet and videotapes to build support and gain new recruits. Hoffman also evaluates potential repercussions of the Iraqi insurgency; the use of suicide bombers; and the likelihood of a chemical, biological, or nuclear terrorist strike. Hoffman argues that the attacks on the World Trade Center fundamentally changed the West's view of the terrorist threat. He assesses changes in the media's coverage of terrorism, the effectiveness of current counterterrorist efforts, and the challenge of balancing civil liberties and the need for security. Hoffman also broadens the book's historical scope, recounting several key chapters in the history of terrorism, including the French Revolution, Latin American revolutionary movements in the 1960s, and the evolution of the PLO. Closer to home, the Timothy McVeigh case and the threats posed by American Christian white supremacists and abortion opponents are also discussed.