Nassar, chair of the Department of Politics and Government, explains that globalization and terrorism are both charged concepts; people use the terms loosely, often to further political ends. In Globalization and Terrorism, Nassar carefully defines these concepts, puts them in historical as well as political context, and amplifies the basics with an exploration of the way in which the dreams inspired by globalization can translate all too easily into the nightmare of terrorism. He develops two key cases—the conflicts in Palestine and Northern Ireland—and applies their lessons to other examples, including the Congo, Chechnya, and Colombia, in an effort to internationalize our understanding of how globalization and terrorism operate in a variety of contexts. While discussing Middle Eastern Islamist terrorism, Nassar presents the dominant view along with the perspective of those dominated by forces beyond their control. Even as he offers a compelling critique of Western hegemony, Nassar conveys his respect and hope for an enlightened global interdependence—embracing the power of the dream over the nightmares.

Recently, a former student of Dr. Nassar wrote him one of those rare, but special, notes that teachers occasionally receive. Lynn Weddle of the class of 1985 wrote: "I often am reminded of the many things I learned while in your class and how some of the things you mentioned became truly prophetic." Weddle went on to remind Nassar of a statement he had made in class, arguing that the Soviet Union was not the enemy we needed to fear, but rather "a 3rd World country that we would never expect to wreak havoc on the U.S." The events of September 11, 2001 reminded her of that statement and also spurred Nassar on to write his book.

The book has received praise from many noted scholars. Professor Stephen Eric Bronner of Rutgers University wrote: "In this exceptionally well-written work, Jamal Nassar has offered a humane meditation on some of the most important issues and enduring conflicts of our epoch. His insights will undoubtedly be of value to students and scholars alike." Professor Richard Falk of Princeton University praised the work: "Globalization and Terrorism is invaluable as a check against unacceptable American innocence about the United States' role in the world." Rashid Khalidi, The Edward Said Professor of Arab Studies at Columbia University, said: "Globalization and Terrorism is a difficult book, and a challenging and important one. It takes categories we are comfortable with and shows us their weaknesses and limitations, as well as the unexpected links between them: it provides a rich and reflective contribution to our understanding of both."