This work investigates the legal parameters and justifications for the application of military force by sovereign states against international terrorism sponsored by other nations. Richard J. Erickson, drawing upon his background in international law and military policy, examines the intersection of state sovereignty, the right to self-defense, and the complexities of attributing terrorist acts to state actors. The author provides a framework for evaluating when military intervention aligns with established international legal norms and when it risks violating the principles of non-intervention.

Legal scholars and military analysts frequently cite this text as a foundational reference for understanding the legal complexities of state-sponsored terrorism during the late 20th century. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which is tailored for practitioners and students of international law.