America Confronts Terrorism: Understanding the Danger and How to Think About It

Here is an urgent book about the overwhelming challenge that faces the United States today in its twilight struggle with terrorist groups throughout the world. John Prados, one of our foremost authorities in national and international security affairs, has collected the most informative and provocative documents and writings about the terrorist threat. Drawing on materials from congressional investigations, the reports of the State and Defense departments, executive orders dealing with intelligence activities, other government documents, and articles by accomplished analysts, Mr. Prados lays out the essential characteristics of terrorist groups throughout the world. He shows how their expertise has evolved along with our perception of their activities. In articles from a wide range of sources, he presents the thinking of experts in the field on strategy, tactics, technology, and the development of effective American policies of counter-terrorism. In his Introduction, Mr. Prados offers an historical perspective as well as a compelling forecast of what the nation is likely to face in the years immediately ahead. In a new kind of war where old approaches are not likely to be effective, America Confronts Terrorism offers an intelligent perspective on our situation. It will be an indispensable resource for general readers.

John Prados is a leading historian of national security affairs, intelligence operations, and international security concerns. His other books include Presidents' Secret Wars, The Hidden History of the Vietnam War, Combined Fleet Decoded, Valley of Decision, and Keepers of the Keys. He lives in Silver Spring, Maryland.