America Embattled

What cause Anti- Americanism and where are its historical roots? What is the impact of 9/11 on America's sense of its self and its role in the world. Is America, paradoxically a victim of its own political and economic power? This text seeks to understand the terrible attacks of September 11th, 2001 within a broader historical, political and ideological context. Rather than drawing on simple clash of civilization oppositions, the author argues that it is important to have an awareness of the complex historical processes which influence: America's sense of itself and its changing view of the world; how the world, especially the Muslim world, views America; and the changing nature of international politics and the global system since the end of the cold war.