ABSTRACT
The above statement occurs in a variety of forms that all say much the same thing-that terrorism, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Having a useable defi nition of terrorism is essential for any valid consideration of its occurrence in the world. How do you distinguish a terrorist group from a non-terrorist group? What kinds of terrorism have existed and continue to exist in the world? What are some of the underlying causes of terrorism? How prevalent is terrorism-has it been increasing or has it been on the decline? The current chapter will consider these very contentious issues.
