Opinion surveys show that what the public assumes it knows about terrorism is at best a badly distorted view. Recalling the "Flat Earth" phenomenon, early misconceptions have become solidified, despite new evidence refuting them.

The authors of The Irrational Terrorist discredit these popular myths and misconceptions, providing an accessible overview of the realities of terrorism and liberally illustrating their analysis with case studies. Ranging from the religious and economic backgrounds of individual terrorists to the nature and outreach of terrorist organizations, they offer fact-based, cutting-edge explanations of the motivations and behavior of terrorist groups.

Darren Hudson is professor and Larry Combest Endowed Chair for Agricultural Competitiveness at Texas Tech University. Arie Perliger is professor and director of security studies at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Riley Post, a Special Forces officer in the US Army, is currently assigned to the US Military Academy. Zachary Hohman is associate professor of experimental social psychology at Texas Tech University.