Timothy Snyder argues that the U.S. response to the 2001 attacks played into adversaries' hands
Historian Timothy Snyder contends that America's reaction to the 2001 terrorist attacks achieved the attackers' goals of war, democratic erosion, and a climate of falsehoods.
In a guest essay, Snyder reflects on his first lecture at Yale, noting how Russian imperial and later Soviet intelligence excelled at provoking opponents. He argues that the United States' post-attack policies fulfilled the terrorists' objectives, leading to prolonged conflicts and weakened democratic norms. Snyder also warns that the resulting atmosphere of deception benefits leaders like Putin and Trump, though he suggests avenues for resistance remain.
Why it matters
It highlights how policy choices after major attacks can unintentionally empower hostile regimes and undermine democracy.
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