Perspectives on Terrorism

Based on papers delivered at a conference on Psychopathology and Political Violence sponsored by the Institute of Social and Behavioral Pathology and the University of Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, the editors have put together a set of readings that analyze terrorism. Beginning with an overview of the phenomenon, the volume contains perspectives on the psychological and social attributes of terrorists as well as the internal structure of terrorist organizations. These are followed by essays on the terrorists' victims and unwitting accomplices: hostages and the mass media. Includes a series of commentaries on appropriate ways in which relevant parties should respond to acts of hostage-taking, and a speculation on the future, i.e., the likelihood of terrorists resorting to weapons of mass destruction. ISBN 0-8420-2201-5 : $24.95.