Includes bibliographical references and index.

The struggle to define terrorism. Defining terrorism. Attempts to synthesize a consensus definition -- Terrorism as a communication process with rhetorical dimensions. Terrorism as communication process. Terrorism as rhetoric -- Labeling and defining terrorism as rhetoric. Definitions and labels. Reconsidering the definition of terrorism -- Symbols, symbolism, and terrorism. Symbols, symbolism, and violence/destruction. Symbolism in the implements and tools of terrorism. Symbolism in the target of terrorism -- Public oratory about terrorism. A method of rhetoric for public oratory. Case studies -- Mass-mediated images and construction of terrorism. Understanding mass media. Terrorism from above and mass media. Terrorism from below and mass media. Terrorism and paid media.