Almost every day, newspapers describe major conflicts -- some have recently erupted, many span decades. Almost all have deep-rooted, historic causes, but these causes are not always fully explained in today's newspaper and television accounts. History Behind the Headlines, an ongoing print series, is intended to fill this gap and explain the historical background of today's major international conflicts. Volume 5 of History Behind the Headlines is a special volume devoted entirely to topics of terrorism.

Each volume covers approximately 25 to 30 conflicts such as border, civil, and guerrilla wars, embargoes, and religious strife. History Behind the Headlines covers such topics as economic sanctions, impeachment in the Philippines, a free press in Russia, and elections in Serbia.