9/11 Turbocharged America's Worst Foreign Policy Impulses—but Didn't Change Its Direction

A new examination of U.S. foreign policy traces the origins of its interventionist approach long before the events of September 11, 2001, challenging the common narrative that the attacks marked a turning point in military engagement abroad. Historical records reveal a gradual escalation in direct military actions and regime-change efforts spanning decades, suggesting deeper strategic motivations than typically acknowledged. The analysis highlights key policy shifts and interventions that predated the post-9/11 security framework, offering a broader context for understanding America’s global military footprint. For those interested in the evolution of U.S. foreign policy, this deeper look could reshape perspectives on when and why intervention became a defining feature of its approach.

The United States' shift toward aggressive interventionism was well underway before the 2001 attacks.