This collection takes a chronological approach to provide a history of modern rebel or non-state terror, highlighting that terrorism as a concept has developed in the form of four consecutive waves. Each wave is characterized by distinctive features most specifically purposes, organizational forms and tactics, which in turn shape the relationship beween terrorist groups with each other as well as on a national and international level. In addition to articles in academic journals, the collection also includes discussions by participants in each wave as well as statements by
participating groups and government documents. Principle events in terrorist history also receive special attention; for example, the first terrorist act, the assassination that provoked World War I and the 9/11 attacks on the US.
Volume I:'Anarchist' 1879-1920s
Volume II: 'AntiColonial' 1919-1962
Volume III: 'New Left' 1960s-2000s
Volume IV: 'Religious' 1979-?