Introduction

In: Geopolitics, Band 8, Heft 3, S. 1-15

Abstract

An introduction to a special issue, "11 September and Its Aftermath: The Geopolitics of Terror," focuses on the impact of the terrorist attacks on the geopolitics of daily life in America; how academics & journalists responded to the events; & related research topics that have not yet been addressed. It is contended that 11 September 2001 has become part of a "global memory." Consideration is given to how 9/11 affected the legislative agendas of democratic & closed societies; changes in the standard operations of US law enforcement, courts, & the military; & differences in human behavior. Academic communities responded by organizing public forums, conferences, & workshops, inserting discussions about 9/11 into class curricula; & offering new courses on Islam &/or interfaith perspectives on globalization. The huge body of resulting published material addresses such things as new fears/threats; root causes of terrorism; & bioterrorism. Ten research themes for future disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or transdisciplinary study are suggested. A brief synopsis of each essay is included. J. Lindroth