How 9/11 changed the world – The Latest

In this episode of The Guardian's 'Today in Focus,' host Annie Kelly discusses the profound consequences of the 9/11 attacks with Jason Burke, an international security correspondent. Burke recalls where he was on that fateful day and how immediate the consequences were understood to be, stating it was a pivotal moment that marked the end of a period of optimism for the U.S. and the world.

Burke notes that Osama bin Laden had various objectives in orchestrating the attack, including the desire to drive U.S. troops out of the Middle East and destabilize regimes like Saudi Arabia. The attack served to polarize communities and radicalize individuals, and while the U.S. sought a military response, it inadvertently contributed to the very polarization bin Laden aimed for.

Throughout the conversation, the discussion moves to the repercussions of 9/11 on U.S. policies, including the shift toward aggressive military actions in the Middle East, the rise of Islamophobia, and the broader societal impacts, such as the suspicion of immigrants and the militarization of policing. Lastly, Burke explains how the legacy of 9/11 can be traced to current political landscapes, including the rise of Donald Trump and the nationalist movements shaped by past conflicts. The episode emphasizes the long-term consequences of 9/11, illustrating how it redefined global relations and domestic issues in the United States.