The symbolic character of terrorism is the focus of this book, which covers over forty areas of symbolism. It provides an in-depth examination of many issues, such as anti-globalization, honor killing, religious terrorism, suicide terrorism, martyrdom, weapons, female terrorism, public communication, visual motifs, and cyberspace. Each chapter focuses on a specific dimension of symbolism in terrorism and explains the contexts and processes that involve the main actors as well as the symbolism of both the purposes and targets. Also discussed are new religious movements, which represent another important aspect of terrorism. Main concepts are clearly defined, and followed by theory illustrated by international case studies.

What is symbolism? -- Interpreting symbolism in terrorism : a first step -- Symbolic targets -- The symbolic culture of terrorism -- Myth in symbolic terrorism -- Symbolic place and territory in terrorism -- Symbolism in religious terrorism : general perspectives -- Hindu, Sikh, Christian, and Jewish terrorism -- Islamist terrorism -- Symbolism in suicide terrorism -- Symbolism of terrorist weapons -- Symbolism in female terrorism -- Brand management in terrorism -- Visual motifs in Islamist terrorism -- Semiotic analysis of terrorism -- Symbolic terrorism in the global village.