Michael investigates the motivations of numerous political and ideological elements, and focuses on those carrying out destructive acts while operating as "lone wolves" and small cells. He suggests that leaderless resistance has become the most common tactical approach of political terrorists in the West and elsewhere.

The evolution of war, conflict, and strategy -- Leaderless resistance and the extreme right -- Ecoextremism and the radical animal liberation movement -- The strategic implications of the new world order -- The Wiki revolution and the new people power -- Weapons of mass destruction and leaderless resistance -- The global Islamic resistance movement -- Conclusion : fifth-generation warfare and leaderless resistance.