Chapter 1 > Refocused Internationalism after 9/11 > Overview

U.S. Report - pdf version Leaders Questionnaire - pdf version Public Questionnaire - pdf version

Overview: Refocused Internationalism after 9/11

The tragic events of 9/11 have had a deep impact on Americans' thinking about the world and their role in it. Shocked by their newfound vulnerability to international terrorism, Americans have become more attentive to what is happening beyond their borders and more willing to take action internationally and at home to reduce that vulnerability.

American internationalism has been refocused on containing and defeating the terrorist threat. For 40 years, U.S. foreign and defense policies were focused on containing the Soviet Union and defeating communism. Following the end of the Cold War, absent a new overriding threat and amidst the greatest prosperity in American history, international concerns (save possibly global economic challenges) and foreign policy went out of focus for many Americans.

September 11 changed all that. Americans now see international terrorism as the top problem, though not the only problem, facing the country. They sense heightened danger from weapons of mass destruction that might fall into terrorist hands, but are much less concerned about the global economy and economic competition from abroad. They are willing to play an active part in the world, especially if by doing so they can diminish the terrorist threat. They are more ready to expand government spending on security-related matters, at the same time showing continued strong focus on domestic concerns. They are confident that the United States is the most influential nation in the world and that its role will grow in the years ahead, but they want to see American leadership bolstered by cooperation with other nations.