The central thesis of the book reviewed here is that the threat of terrorism is not as great as prominent proponents of the ‘war on terror’ are apt to claim. By contrast, the ‘real threats’ (climate change, marginalisation of the world’s poor, militarisation, etc.) are neglected. This thesis, and the rather naked advocacy of left-wing activism, is subjected to scrutiny, and reasons for governments to continue to accord the security of their citizens some priority are advanced.