Tectonic processes occurring in shallow subduction zones around the world generate the majority of large, damaging earthquakes. Last decade brought more understanding of these processes, showing however, their complexity and diversity from place to place. A full understanding of the seismotectonics of shallow subduction zones is yet to be achieved, however the ambitious goal of forecasting at least the largest of earthquakes is certainly worth pursuing. The present volume reports the most recent research in this field and includes theoretical as well as observational works concerning seismicity, mechanics and seismic potential of subduction segments around the world. Topics covered in Part II include new inversions for two great Alaska-Aleutians earthquakes (1957 Aleutian and 1964 Prince William Sound), seismicity trends and potential for large earthquakes in the Alaska-Aleutian region, rupture process of large earthquakes in Northern Mexico, global variability in subduction thrust zone-forearc systems, and possible causal relationship between large subduction earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Part II is a companion volume to Part I, published in 1993.