Looking ahead, do you think once these events pass ( the attack against the World Trade Center and Pentagon 2001), things will return to normal, or the events will change things forever?
Winter 2001
Why this survey was relevant
The September 11 terrorist attacks are still felt in today’s society. This was the most traumatic event in United States history. Many people were frightened and anxious about what was to come next. Fortunately at the time there was a sense of unity amongst the citizens of the country and with that unity people banded together. But would this feeling last once the initial trauma wore off? Surveys were taken to find out not only how people felt about the present (the year of the attacks) but how they were feeling about their future and what the world may become because of the attacks. What were people really feeling?
Survey Results
Things will change forever: 74%
This will return to normal: 21%
Not sure: 2%
Neither: 2%
Both: 2%
Survey Beta Conclusion
We can see that nearly 3 in 4 people predicted that things would never be the same again in the wake of the events of September 11th 2021. With over 20 years behind us on the events now we can evaluate this question by looking at what has changed and remains in place.
Things have changed forever and there doesn’t seem to be any going back. The following profound changes have caused significant change for U.S. citizens over the last 20 plus years.
- War on Terror and Military Involvement: One of the most notable changes post-9/11 was the initiation of the “War on Terror” by the United States. This led to extensive military interventions in Afghanistan and later Iraq, aimed at combating terrorism and removing regimes believed to support or harbor terrorists. The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan lasted for two decades, with significant implications for U.S. foreign policy, military strategy, and global relations.
- Security Measures and Surveillance: In response to the terrorist attacks, the U.S. government implemented stringent security measures to prevent future threats. This included the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the enactment of the USA PATRIOT Act, which expanded surveillance capabilities and enhanced law enforcement powers to monitor and investigate potential threats.
- Airport Security: Aviation security underwent a dramatic overhaul post-9/11. Measures such as enhanced passenger screenings, full-body scanners, and restrictions on carry-on items were implemented to improve aviation safety. These changes have become a standard part of air travel protocols in the United States and globally.
- Immigration and Border Security: The attacks prompted a reevaluation of immigration policies and border security. The creation of the DHS led to increased border patrols, stricter visa regulations, and heightened scrutiny of travelers entering and exiting the country. Immigration laws were also revised to address national security concerns.
- Surveillance and Privacy Concerns: The expansion of surveillance programs and data collection by intelligence agencies raised concerns about civil liberties and privacy rights. Controversies surrounding warrantless wiretapping and mass surveillance programs sparked debates over the balance between national security and individual freedoms.
- Global Diplomacy and Alliances: The aftermath of 9/11 reshaped U.S. foreign policy and international alliances. The focus on counterterrorism efforts led to closer cooperation with allies and coalitions in combating extremist groups. However, it also strained diplomatic relations and fueled geopolitical tensions in regions affected by U.S. military operations.
- Cultural and Social Impact: The terrorist attacks had a profound emotional and psychological impact on American society. The sense of national unity and resilience following 9/11 gradually evolved into divisions and debates over security policies, civil liberties, and the scope of government authority. Issues such as Islamophobia, xenophobia, and discrimination against certain communities emerged in the wake of the attacks.
- Long-Term Legacy of the “War on Terror”: The protracted nature of the “War on Terror” and the challenges of combating non-state actors have raised questions about the efficacy and sustainability of military interventions. The withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 highlighted the complexities and consequences of long-term military engagements.
In summary, the events of 9/11 triggered far-reaching changes across various domains of American society, including national security, foreign policy, civil liberties, and cultural dynamics. These changes continue to shape contemporary discourse and policymaking related to terrorism, security, and international relations.
