Webinar will explore responses to 9/11 and how they shaped the world

Did the response to 9/11 help reduce the threat of terrorism? How effective was the ‘War on Terror’? And what lessons can we learn from 20 years of military intervention?

These and other questions will be explored during a webinar hosted by the University of Bradford’s Division of Peace Studies and International Development.

Speakers will include Emeritus Prof Paul Rogers, Professor PB Anand, Chair and head of department, Professor Owen Greene, Professor of International Security and Development, and Dr Fiona Macaulay, Senior Lecturer in Peace Studies and Executive Editor of Stability- International Journal of Security and Development.

Prof Paul Rogers said: “9/11 served as the catalyst for the US-led ‘War on Terror’, with wide support for counter-terrorism operations and the US-led military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq - the former resulting in the longest war fought by the US military. We have also seen an expansion of drone programmes and numerous other national and international counter-terrorism measures across the world.

“The actions taken by the US and its allies over the last 20 years have cost some $8 trillion. Hundreds of thousands of deaths have resulted from the associated conflicts and violence. Arguably, Al Qaeda and other transnational terrorist groups have been weakened as a result, but they remain active; and many of the areas of engagement remain insecure.

“This webinar will explore the extent to which the events of the last 20 years have shaped foreign and domestic policies, the terrorism landscape, and transnational security."

Professor Owen Greene added: “How effective was the response to 9/11 and what will be the lasting impact of the measures taken? What lessons have we learned and where are we now in terms of reducing terrorism risks? Is the 'War on Terror' strategy at an end, and what may replace it?”

Prof PB Anand added: “While the focus is on 9/11 and global and regional security, we do need to consider the implications for Afghanistan and in particular for the human dimensions of this for the citizens of Afghanistan. We look forward to hearing from our Afghan students and alumni.”

Dr Fiona Macaulay highlighted that the lessons learnt from Afghanistan will be very important for understanding the challenges to human rights and in particular achieving gender equality in conflict and post-conflict contexts and in the design of security and development interventions.

The webinar will take place on Thursday September 23, from 1600-1700.

It has been organised by the Division of Peace Studies and International Development in partnership with the University's Alumni and Development Team.

Email alumni@bradford.ac.uk for more information.