Did the 9/11 attacks on the US usher in a new age of mass-casualty terrorism and war on "terrorist groups of a global reach?" Adrian Guelke questions whether terrorism has evolved into a new form of political violence or whether it remains essentially unchanged, with violent acts by small groups pursuing their struggles against #imperialism# and the West. He explores the varying perceptions of, and reactions to, violent acts in the developed and developing worlds both within and across national boundaries and examines how #terrorist# groups join the peace process and take their part in state, society and #legitimate# government. This stimulating and strongly-argued interpretation of terrorism uncovers its theoretical and practical mainsprings and shows that 9/11, the subsequent attacks in London, Madrid, Bali, and even the concept of a global war on terrorism, may have changed perceptions and increased the fear of mass-casualties, but have not altered its basic nature. The study is now even more vital for students, policy-makers, those involved in politics and conflict resolution and, especially, general readers.