Theses study the features of the phenomenon of international terrorism and its impact on the international political system. The specifics of international terrorism in the age of global turbulence are considered. The world political system is analyzed from the standpoint of geopolitical actors’ use of various methods to achieve political goals, including terrorism. The nature and spheres of influence of international terrorism in the modern world are shown. Particular attention is paid to regional and global security in the context of terrorist groups in the Middle East. The article focuses on the activities of the ISIS group and the peculiarities of its functioning in the modern globalized world. The formation of the structure and activity of terrorist groups in the historical context is singled out. The role and principles of international terrorism in the context of geopolitical confrontation are defined.