Lesson Report:
# **Lesson Summary: The Post-Cold War Shift and the Impact of 9/11**
### **Synopsis**
This lesson explored the transition from the American unipolar moment (1991-2001) to the post-9/11 foreign policy landscape, with a focus on how the attacks reshaped U.S. global strategy. The class began with a review of the upcoming assignment, followed by an in-depth discussion of the 9/11 attacks, their perpetrators, and the immediate foreign policy responses, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The session ended with the introduction of the Bush Doctrine, which will be further explored in the next class.
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### **Attendance**
– No specific number of absentees recorded.
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### **Topics Covered**
#### **Assignment Clarification & Writing Guidelines**
– Reviewed assignment structure and citation guidelines.
– Students must write from the perspective of a historical decision-maker in the first person.
– Emphasis on perspective-taking rather than deep theoretical integration.
– Citation style: American Political Science Association (APSA).
– Footnotes not required for general explanations but must cite direct references.
– Office hours reminder for additional support on assignment development.
#### **Review of the “Unipolar Moment” (1991-2001)**
– Brief review of U.S. dominance in the post-Cold War era.
– Discussion of how the lack of a major geopolitical rival allowed for expansive foreign policy.
– Noted critiques of unipolarity and how this period ended abruptly with 9/11.
#### **The September 11, 2001 Attacks**
– Background on the attacks:
– Al-Qaeda orchestrated the attack with hijackers primarily from Saudi Arabia.
– Two planes crashed into the Twin Towers; additional attacks on the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93.
– Impact:
– The deadliest attack on U.S. soil, killing approximately 2,500 people.
– Shook U.S. security institutions and led to an urgent reassessment of foreign policy.
– Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden’s background:
– Osama bin Laden—formerly an ally of the U.S. during the Soviet-Afghan War—shifted toward anti-American extremism.
– Discussion on whether U.S. funding of the Mujahideen indirectly aided Al-Qaeda (no direct evidence).
#### **Foreign Policy Response: Afghanistan & Iraq**
– **Invasion of Afghanistan (2001)**
– Goal: Capture Osama bin Laden and dismantle the Taliban.
– Outcome: Bin Laden fled to Pakistan; initial policy deemed successful but led to a prolonged war.
– **Invasion of Iraq (2003)**
– Justifications:
– Allegations of Saddam Hussein harboring terrorists and developing weapons of mass destruction.
– Potential threat of nuclear weapons ending up in terrorist hands.
– Issues:
– False intelligence—no nuclear weapons program found.
– Controversy over U.S. motives (e.g., strategic control over oil).
– Long-term consequences, including instability in the region.
#### **Domestic Policy Shift: The Patriot Act (2005)**
– Expanded surveillance powers for U.S. agencies (CIA, FBI, NSA) to counter terrorism.
– Debate over civil liberties vs. national security.
– Later led to revelations about U.S. mass surveillance programs (e.g., Edward Snowden leaks).
#### **Introduction to the Bush Doctrine**
– **Key tenets:**
– **Preemptive War Doctrine:** The U.S. reserves the right to strike first against perceived imminent threats.
– **Unilateralism vs. Multilateralism:** Tension between global cooperation and U.S.-led actions.
– **War on Terror:** A broad and ideological approach to combating global terrorism.
– Discussed the distinction between **preemptive** vs. **preventative** war.
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### **Actionable Items**
#### **Immediate (For Next Class)**
– **Continue Bush Doctrine discussion** with emphasis on its effectiveness and long-term consequences.
– **Assigned readings for Monday’s class** (materials to be posted by the instructor).
#### **Ongoing (Course Progress & Logistics)**
– **Office hours reminder:** Offered Mondays and Wednesdays after class until 3:30 PM or by appointment.
– **Clarifications on citation format:** APSA style with parenthetical citations to be reinforced.
– **Monitor student understanding of assignment requirements:** Ensure continued guidance on writing from a decision-maker’s perspective.
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This summary provides a structured breakdown of the lesson’s key elements to maintain continuity and help track course progress.
Homework Instructions:
ASSIGNMENT #1: Perspective-Based Writing on a Historical Decision Maker
In this assignment, you will adopt the perspective of a historical decision-maker and critically engage with their thought process in the context of major U.S. foreign policy events. This exercise will help you develop a stronger understanding of political decision-making and historical perspectives by immersing yourself in the role of a key figure.
**Instructions:**
1. **Choose Your Decision-Maker and Context:** Select a historical figure relevant to U.S. foreign policy, such as Richard Nixon during the Vietnam War expansion or another prominent leader discussed in class. Clearly define the time period and the specific decision you will explore.
2. **Write in the First Person:** You must write from the perspective of your chosen decision-maker. This means using “I” statements and embodying their mindset at the time of the event. For example, if you are writing as Nixon, you should express why “I, President Nixon, decided to expand the war into Cambodia.”
3. **Incorporate Realism and Cited Sources:** Your analysis should reflect a coherent theoretical approach, such as realism, as discussed in class. You are required to cite at least one main text that supports your perspective. Use American Political Science Association (APSA) citation style, incorporating parenthetical citations (Author, Year) directly within your writing.
4. **Discuss Rationale and Justifications:** Explain in detail the reasoning behind your decision, considering historical context, strategic motivations, and possible constraints. Address both internal pressures (domestic politics, public opinion) and external factors (geopolitical considerations, relations with allies or rivals).
5. **Structure and Coherence:** Ensure that your narrative is well-organized, beginning with an introduction to the scenario, a clear discussion of key decisions, and a conclusion that reflects on the potential impact and consequences of the decision.
6. **Footnotes (If Necessary):** While you are not required to include extensive theoretical analysis in footnotes, you may use them to elaborate on a concept or provide additional context that does not fit within the main narrative. However, all direct citations should be included in-text as per APSA guidelines.
7. **Formatting and Submission:** The assignment should be at least 1,500 words in length, double-spaced, using a standard 12-point font. Submit your completed work by upload to eCourse before the deadline.
This assignment will assess your ability to critically engage with historical decision-making, apply theoretical perspectives, and present a well-supported narrative in a structured manner.