Examines the evolution of terrorism in the context of the new global disorder Categorizes three generations of terrorist organizations and shows how each arose in response to the global conditions of its time Discusses the terrorist race for weapons of mass destruction and the types of attacks, including cyber-terrorism, that are likely to occur in coming years This groundbreaking book examines the evolution of terrorism in the context of the new global disorder. Richard M. Pearlstein categorizes three generations of terrorist organizations and shows how each arose in response to the global conditions of its time. Focusing extensively on today's trans-national (i.e., privately funded and internationally operating) terrorist organizations, he devotes thorough attention to the two most virulent types: ethno-terrorism and radical Islamic terrorism. He also discusses the terrorist race for weapons of mass destruction and the types of attacks, including cyber- terrorism, that are likely to occur in coming years. Pearlstein concludes with a thought-provoking assessment of the many efforts to combat trans-national terrorism in the post - September 11 period.