How 9/11 changed the world – The Latest
Summary
Jason Burke, the Guardian's international security correspondent, reflects on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, tracing how the event shattered global optimism and triggered a cascade of geopolitical consequences. He discusses how the US response, including the Iraq War and the use of torture, undermined international norms and empowered Iran and non-state actors like ISIS. Burke also analyzes how the "war on terror" fueled the rise of Islamophobia and contributed to the isolationist, nativist politics that enabled Donald Trump's ascent. Ultimately, he argues that while the US avoid…
Topics discussed
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Introduction to 9/11 25th anniversary
Jason Burke's personal recollection of the attacks
The shift from post-Cold War optimism to darkness
Bin Laden's strategic aims and the nature of terrorism
Impact on the Middle East and rise of Iranian influence
US response, torture, and the decline of international norms
Rise of rogue actors and the era of ISIS
The surge in Islamophobia and dehumanization
9/11's role in the rise of MAGA and US isolationism
Conclusion and final thoughts on the legacy
Promo: Guardian podcast Black Box
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