Unit 9: Topic 6 - Challenges of the 21st Century Flashcards
What was 9/11?
On September 11th, 2001, terrorists linked to al Qaeda hijacked four airplanes. Two of the airplanes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York City, the third was crashed into the Pentagon in Virginia, and the fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.
This event is considered the worst act of terrorism in U.S. history, killing over 3,000 people, creating large changes in U.S. society, and ultimately prompting U.S. involvement in multiple wars in the Middle East.
What was the war on terrorism after the 9/11 attacks?
The War on Terror was the U.S. government’s military, political, and ideological campaign against terrorist groups and organizations around the world after the 9/11 attacks. The primary objective was to disrupt and dismantle terrorist groups that posed a threat to the U.S. and its allies.
What was the Bush Doctrine?
After the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush instituted the Bush Doctrine, which allowed the US the right to attack enemies before they attacked the US. It was known as a pre-emptive strike, an attack against an enemy in response to an obvious threat of attack by that enemy
What was Operation Enduring Freedom (2001)?
Operation Enduring Freedom was the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan to capture Osama bin Laden and end the al Qaeda usage of Afghanistan as a base for attacks.
The U.S. had initial success at driving the Taliban from power, but it regrouped and launched a counterattack that drastically prolonged the war.
The al Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden, escaped but U.S. officials continued to search for him, finding and killing him in 2011.
What was Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003)?
Operation Iraqi Freedom was a military campaign launched by the U.S. to remove Saddam Hussein’s regime from power in Iraq because the Bush administration had suspicion that he had connection to the terrorist group, al Qaeda. The operation also aimed to destroy Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, which was believed to be a threat to international security.
After defeating Iraqi armed forces and toppling Hussein, no weapons of mass destruction were found and there was no conclusive evidence to support Hussein’s connection to al-Qaeda.
What was the USA Patriot Act (2001)?
The USA Patriot Act strengthened the federal government’s power to conduct surveillance, perform searches, and detain individuals in order to combat terrorism. It was passed in the wake of 9/11 and was designed to give authorities the tools needed to prevent terrorism.
The Patriot Act has been controversial because it weakens privacy rights.
Why was the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) created after the war on terrorism was declared?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created to improve aviation security and prevent future terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. The creation of the TSA centralized airport security under federal control and established more rigorous screening procedures for passengers and their luggage.
Why was the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created after the war on terrorism was declared?
The Department of Homeland and Security (DHS) was created to improve coordination and collaboration between U.S. government agencies to centralize focus on homeland security. Departmental responsibilities include border and transportation security, emergency preparedness and response, and counterterrorism.
What is the purpose of the Guantánamo Bay Detention Camp in Cuba?
The Guantánamo Bay Detention Camp was created by the United States after 9/11 as a “black site” detention facility where prisoners do not have the legal protections afforded to them if they were within U.S borders. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) runs the prison and uses interrogation and indefinite detention to gather intelligence in the hope of preventing future terrorist attacks.
Why are the CIA renditions to Guantánamo Bay highly criticized?
CIA renditions to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba problematic factors:
-Arbitrary detention: Many detainees were held without charge/trial, which violates human rights and the principles of due process and habeas corpus.
-Torture and cruel treatment: Detainees were subjected to torture that violate international law and the right to be free from cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment
-Lack of transparency and accountability: The renditions were conducted in secret, with little public oversight, thereby allowing for abuses to occur without safeguards.
-Violations of international law: The renditions violated international law, including the Geneva Conventions and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which provide protection for detainees and prohibit torture and arbitrary detention.
How did the domestic electronic spying programs after 9/11 raise questions about the protection of civil liberties and human rights?
The domestic surveillance program raised the following concerns:
- Surveillance and privacy: Personal data on Americans were collected which raised concerns about violation of privacy and the potential for abuse of powers.
- Racial and religious profiling: Concerns about discrimination and bias as reports indicated that groups such as Muslims and Arab-Americans were targeted for surveillance based on their religion or ethnicity.
- Violations of the Fourth Amendment: Many argued the government’s collection of data without a warrant or individualized suspicion violated protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
How did the U.S. seek additional sources of energy to lessen its dependence on the Middle East for oil?
The U.S. has lessened its dependency on foreign oil by increasing domestic production. An increase in drilling and fracking, an environmentally controversial practice involving pumping high-pressured water into the ground, has resulted in a declining dependence on oil from the Middle East.
In addition to oil production, green energy (solar, wind, hydro, etc.) has made an increasingly significant contribution to U.S. energy.
What sustainability initiatives have increased as the American public has become more aware of the environmental costs of limitless consumption?
Recycling, organic farming, tiny houses, electric cars, public transportation, solar panels, green roofing, and other sustainability initiatives have become more widespread during the 21st century as the controversial issue of climate change has continued to be a problem.
Despite facing economic and foreign policy challenges, how has the U.S. continued to maintain its position as the world’s leading superpower in the 21st century?
Ways the U.S. maintains its dominant position as the world’s leading superpower:
- Economic strength: The U.S. has the world’s largest economy, with a diversified industrial base and a strong innovation and technology sector. This allows the U.S. to maintain its position as a global leader in trade and investment.
- Military Power: The U.S. has the world’s most powerful military with advanced weapons, superior technology, and highly trained troops. This military power allows the U.S. to maintain a strong presence in strategic locations.
- Influence: The U.S. has important cultural influence, educational institutions, and diplomatic reach, allowing it to maintain its position as a leader in international organizations and forums.
- Political Stability: Despite divisions, the U.S. has a stable political system and a strong tradition of democratic governance, allowing it to tackle economic and foreign policy challenges.
