Inside Terrorism

Bruce Hoffman's Inside Terrorism has remained a seminal work for understanding the historical evolution of terrorism and the terrorist mindset. In this revised edition of the classic text, Hoffman analyzes the new adversaries, motivations, and tactics of global terrorism that have emerged in recent years, focusing specifically on how al Qaeda has changed since 9/11; the reasons behind its resiliency, resonance, and longevity; and its successful use of the Internet and videotapes to build public support and gain new recruits. Hoffman broadens the discussion by evaluating the potential repercussions of the Iraqi insurgency, the use of suicide bombers, terrorist exploitation of new communications media, and the likelihood of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear terrorist strike.

Closer to home, Hoffman reconsiders the Timothy McVeigh case and the threats posed by American Christian white supremacists and abortion opponents as well as those posed by militant environmentalists and animal rights activists. He argues that the attacks on the World Trade Center fundamentally transformed the West's view of the terrorist threat. More relevant and necessary than ever, Inside Terrorism continues to be the definitive work on the history and future of global terrorism.

Columbia University Press

Hoffman traces the history of terrorism from its roots in the Reign of Terror that followed the French Revolution, to Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda network. Along the way, he examines the rise of subnational groups like al-Qaeda and Japan's Aum sect and takes a closer look at the way terrorists are able to exploit media coverage.

Sunday Telegraph

The author has succeeded brilliantly. His predictions for the future are hardly comforting, but they should be heeded by all governments with an interest in world peace.

Bruce Hoffman is a professor at Georgetown University's Edmund A Walsh School of Foreign Service. He is also a senior fellow at the Combating Terrorism Center, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York, and editor of the Columbia University Press series Columbia Studies in Terrorism and Irregular Warfare.