This bibliography provides annotations on future trends in terrorism from open-source literature published between 1996 and mid-1998. The dominant trend discussed in this literature is the increasing likelihood that terrorists will use weapons of mass destruction (WMD), particularly against the United States. Accordingly, many of the 295 monographs and journal articles surveyed in this bibliography discuss the potential threats of nuclear, biological, and chemical terrorism and the countermeasures that need to be implemented in responding to these threats. A number of other articles discuss the emerging threat of computer or cyberterrorism and the potential threat to the United States' information-technology (IT)-based infrastructure. Many articles discuss new technologies to counter more conventional terrorist threat, such as detecting bombs at airports.

After assuming power in 1974, the military regime embarked on a program to improve the condition of peasants, but famine and hunger continued despite this effort, which was supplemented by substantial foreign assistance. Moreover, the escalation of the military campaign against the insurgent movements in Eritrea, Tigray, and the Ogaden forced thousands of Ethiopians to flee into neighboring countries.