An America Adrift

The 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is a time of reflection, and historian Paul Kennedy analyzes the American responses and mood of the past decade. After 9/11, the US quickly invaded Afghanistan, putting the Taliban on the run. Then in March 2003, the US invaded Iraq, intent on deposing dictator Saddam Hussein who had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks. Kennedy offers anecdotal descriptions of Americans: Weary of war, isolationist with their outlook, they do not resent foreign competitors, but lack curiosity. Kennedy contends that 9/11 distracted Americans from unsustainable finances and international engagements. The US lacks consistent strategies on fast-rising economies in Africa, Asia or neighboring Latin America. Americans expect their leaders to focus on the economy, particularly job creation, but have lost the will to innovate, explore or invest in their own communities. As the US neglects its schools, infrastructure and ignores a fast-changing global community, divisive politics offer new distractions that exhaust a nation’s once-great spirit. – YaleGlobal