The period between about 1880 and 1914 was a sort of golden age for terrorists. Technological change was reshaping the world with unprecedented speed, political systems were not keeping pace, and new and more destructive weapons were becoming more widely available; as a result, both the US and Europe experienced a wave of bombings and high-profile assassinations. The threat ultimately diminished, however, in the face of political reform, higher living standards, and the even greater violence of World War I.
Some Islamic terrorists clearly aspire to a heavenly reward, not one on earth., which sets them apart from 19th century anarchists. That leads to today’s question: will Islamic terrorism, like the terrorism characteristic of the end of the 19th century, disappear if it does not result in tangible political gains for the terrorists?
In spite of some high profile exceptions, my prediction is mostly yes. Most IS recruits were lured to Syria by flashy videos and promises of an easy and entertaining life, not by the prospect of martyrdom. Most prospective terrorists will be deterred by failure. In the long run, absent serious mistakes by the affected governments, Islamic terrorism will burn itself out.