Modern US 1980s-2000s

9/11 Attacks: Who coordinated the attack of the World Trade Center (twin towers)?

Al-Qaeda

9/11 Attacks: What did the World Trade Center and Pentagon represent respectively?

Economic power & military power

9/11 Attacks: How did traditional warfare shift? What is asymmetric warfare?

From traditional warfare to asymmetric warfare. Asymmetric warfare are conflicts between non-state groups or insurgents challenging superior military powers using unconventional tactics.

9/11 Attacks: What did the 9/11 attacks demonstrate within US Homeland Security?

Vulnerabilities

9/11 Attacks: What were the immediate effects on American society?

National trauma and unity. Collapse of financial markets temporarily.

9/11 Attacks: What were the long-term effects on American society?

Expansion of executive power. Increased surveillance and security measures (especially on social media). Shift toward preemptive military strategy.

George W. Bush Response: What doctrine did he respond with after 9/11?

Doctrine of preemption (striking threats before they occur).

George W. Bush Response: How did he frame the global ideological struggle?

“War on Terror”

George W. Bush Response: What does the Passage of the USA PATRIOT Act (2001) entail?

It expanded gov. surveillance powers and sparked debate over civil liberties vs. national security.

War in Afghanistan: What is the timeframe for this event?

2001-2021

War in Afghanistan: What is the US objective in this war? And what organization supported this cause?

Dismantle al-Qaeda and remove Taliban from power. This was supported by NATO (rare invocation of collective defense).

War in Afghanistan: What were the challenges?

• Nation-building difficulties 

• Insurgency warfare (active strikes)

War in Afghanistan: What is the significance of this war?

It is the longest war in US history. Also raised questions about limits of military power.

Iraq War: What is the timeframe for this event?

2003-2011

Iraq War: Why was this war justified?

Justified by claims of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). Historians speculate this claim was false.

Iraq War: What was the result of the war?

In the overthrow of Saddam Hussein

Iraq War: What were the consequences of this war?

• Power vacuum -> rise of insurgency and sectarian violence 

• Damaged US credibility internationally

Iraq War: What was the debate about this war?

Prevantative war vs. unjustified intervention.

Counterterrorism: What were the shifts in military operations?

From large-scale invasions to targeted operations.

Counterterrorism: What specific strategies were used?

Drone warfare and intelligence gathering.

Counterterrorism: What network expanded? And what were the ethical concerns?

Expansion of global surveillance networks and ethical concerns such as civilian casualties and privacy rights.

Hillary Clinton: She was a key figure in what era of politics?

Late 20th & early 21st century

Hillary Clinton: What was her position(s) in poltiics?

Secretary of State and candidate for 2016 Presidential election.