CHICAGO — This Sept. 11 marks the 25th anniversary of the terror attacks that left a “lasting influence on American public life and deeply polarized American politics,” says political scientist Scott Hibbard.

An associate professor and chair of political science at DePaul University, Hibbard is available to discuss how 9/11 deepened divides in U.S. politics and reshaped the country's reputation abroad. He also calls on Americans to engage with the issues, not turn away.

Hibbard researches American foreign policy, Middle East politics and international relations. He worked in the U.S. government for 12 years as a program officer at the United States Institute of Peace and as a legislative aide in Congress. His newest book, “America’s Long War with Islamist Militancy,” will provide a retrospective look at America’s war on terror and is set for release in March 2027.

In this Q&A, Hibbard discusses the 25th anniversary, the legacy of that tragic day and more. For interviews with Hibbard, please reach out to newsroom@depaul.edu or by contacting Hibbard directly at shibbar1@depaul.edu.

Twenty-five years have passed since Sept. 11, 2001. What are your initial thoughts as you reflect on the anniversary and what’s transpired since then?
I think about the lasting influence of the attacks on American public life and the way in which 9/11 transformed American foreign policy. The decisions made in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 put the country on a path toward two decades of conflict, deeply polarized American politics, and helped to normalize anti-Muslim and anti-Arab sentiments within the U.S.

The attacks themselves were deeply traumatic. Many Americans watched the second plane crash into the World Trade Center on live television and even more saw the twin towers collapse. It was an emotionally jarring event that truly changed the country. However, that shared trauma also brought Americans together in a brief moment of bi-partisanship and united the world behind the U.S. Vigils were held in capitals around the world in support of the victims. Support for the country was never higher. That all changed, however, once the war on terror began.

The George W. Bush administration’s initial response to 9/11 — invading Afghanistan — was understandable because that is where al-Qaeda was based. However, the invasion of Iraq, in particular — a country that had nothing to do with 9/11 — greatly tarnished America’s image abroad.

In short, the administration’s response to 9/11 had a number of unintended consequences and left a legacy that we are still dealing with today.

What are some of the lasting legacies of 9/11?
There are many. There’s the financial cost of the war on terror, which is estimated to be $6 trillion. This was largely covered by deficit spending, which means that the U.S. government borrowed the money. The explosion of the national debt is something everyone should be concerned about, particularly young people in the U.S. who will be responsible for paying off these debts in coming years.

There is also the loss of American moral authority and the militarization of American foreign policy. The budgets of the Department of Defense and the various intelligence agencies grew enormously over the past 25 years, while investment in diplomacy and foreign aid have diminished. America was once described as a “beacon of freedom.” Such language now rings hollow with populations around the world.

What would you share with Americans who are disillusioned with the U.S.’s involvement in world affairs?
It is understandable for Americans to believe that isolationism and withdrawing from world affairs is a constructive response to the excesses of the post-9/11 wars. I would argue, however, just the opposite. The U.S. remains the most influential military, economic and political power in the world. The values on which this country was founded were — and are — revolutionary. The country needs to be more engaged, not less.

However, the way in which the U.S. operates in the international system needs to change. The country needs to be a stabilizing force in the world, not a predatory one. To achieve these ends, requires the U.S. government to live up to the country’s promise.

What is one takeaway readers will gain from your forthcoming book?
The U.S. needs to rely less on military power to resolve problems and, instead, focus more on diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. Particularly regarding the Middle East, American foreign policy needs to recognize that its long-term interests are best served through a policy of constructive engagement. This means that American policy makers should prioritize economic development, accountable government and the rule of law, and move away from the current approach of supporting authoritarian governments and turning a blind eye to gross human rights violations. Continuing to follow the policies of the past serves no one’s interests.

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Source:
Scott Hibbard
shibbar1@depaul.edu

Media Contact:
Russell Dorn
rdorn@depaul.edu