  We review the development of random-matrix theory (RMT) during the last
decade. We emphasize both the theoretical aspects, and the application of the
theory to a number of fields. These comprise chaotic and disordered systems,
the localization problem, many-body quantum systems, the Calogero-Sutherland
model, chiral symmetry breaking in QCD, and quantum gravity in two dimensions.
The review is preceded by a brief historical survey of the developments of RMT
and of localization theory since their inception. We emphasize the concepts
common to the above-mentioned fields as well as the great diversity of RMT. In
view of the universality of RMT, we suggest that the current development
signals the emergence of a new "statistical mechanics": Stochasticity and
general symmetry requirements lead to universal laws not based on dynamical
principles.
