Colin Murray Parkes, OBE, pioneered development of psychological support for families facing the death of a family member. His recent work has focused on traumatic bereavements with special reference to violent deaths, armed conflict and the cycle of violence. He is the author of two previous books: Bereavement: Studies of grief in adult life and Love and Loss: The roots of grief and its complications.

An international range of contributors cast new light on the causes of terrorism and ways to prevent and interrupt subsequent cycles of violence.

Contributors. Nathans, Foreword. Acknowledgements. C. M. Parkes, Introduction. Part I: The Context of Terrorism. C. M. Parkes, On the Psychology of Extremism. Abrahamson, Cognitive Psychology, Terrorism and Cycles of Violence. Alderdice, Group Identity and the Roots of Terrorism. Gribbin, Turtle, The Roots of Conflict in Northern Ireland. Hall, C. M. Parkes, The Roots of Conflict in Rwanda. Part II: Reponses to a Terrorist Attack. C. M. Parkes, Responses to Terrorism that Feed Cycles of Violence - A Model. Gribbin, Turtle, Bloody Sunday: Analysis of the Response. Hall, C. M. Parkes, Assassination in Rwanda. Part III: Breaking the Cycle. J. Parkes, Countering violence: the role of the school. Glees, Islamist Terrorism and British Universities. Rowan, Responses to Terrorism - The Role of the Media. Alderdice, Leadership. Gersons, Nijdam, Supporting Leaders under Threat and Protection. Gribbin, Turtle, Omagh and the Peace Process in Ireland. C. M. Parkes, Hall, After the Genocide: the Peace Process in Rwanda. C. M. Parkes, Synthesis and Conclusions. References.