This volume investigates the intersection of traditional criminal activity and modern terrorism, questioning how risk assessment frameworks can be applied to both phenomena. Edmund F. McGarrell and Leslie W. Kennedy, both established scholars in the fields of criminology and public safety, synthesize research to argue that the mechanisms of criminal behavior and terrorist acts share significant structural similarities. They utilize empirical data and theoretical models to propose a unified approach for law enforcement and policy makers to mitigate security threats in an increasingly complex global environment.

Experts in the field of criminal justice identify this work as a foundational text for understanding the convergence of crime and terrorism. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for researchers and policy professionals rather than a general audience.