The Lessons of September 11

The relative places occupied by the major international powers have not changed after September 11. Nor have essential global problems been changed or resolved. Yet, the revelation of US vulnerability will have a major impact on US policy, driving the country in one of two directions: towards isolationism or towards greater cooperation with other powers. In any case, an attempt must be made, especially by the US but also by a unified European Union, to understand the motivations behind the attack and to seek political, rather than technological or military solutions to the underlying problems.

Originally published in the issue Vol. 36, No. 4, October-December 2001, p. 13-19