About Book

Terrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy critically examines U.S. counterterrorism policy, with a focus on the tenets that drive U.S. strategy: no concessions or deals with terrorists, justice for crimes, isolating and pressuring states that sponsor terrorism, and bolstering counterterrorism capabilities abroad. Paul R. Pillar, a career CIA officer, evaluates the challenges of applying these principles, questioning whether they effectively deter terrorist acts or if alternative strategies might be more successful. He also discusses the influence of U.S. public opinion on policy formulation and examines specific states that sponsor or enable terrorism, including Iran, Libya, North Korea, Cuba, Greece, and Pakistan. Pillar concludes that terrorism can never be fully eradicated but can be mitigated and controlled through more nuanced policy adjustments.