The Power of Nightmares: Reaction Essay On Terrorism

Over the course of the twentieth century, numerous governments across the globe established organizations and agencies with aims of combating international terrorism. However, these agencies did not establish vast public attention or immense government spending until the fall of 2001. The terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001 marked the transformation of not only the American economy, but also a shift in public perceptions of terrorism, both at home and abroad. The attacks of September 11th also allowed for an expansion of political power for United States’ officials as citizens overlooked the lack of regard for civil liberties and adherence to policy due to personal fears regarding terrorism. While terrorism does pose a threat to United States and civilized society, the magnitude of this threat can neither be recorded nor tracked. Despite the inability of the United States to track the power and location of terrorism, the disregard of civil liberties and precautionary measures push the nation in a negative direction and pose an even greater threat to a civilized and democratic society.

In the film, The Power of Nightmares, filmmakers delve into the numerous misconceptions caused by American focus on anti-terrorism, as well as the disregard for civil liberties and procedures previously established in the United States. Following September 11th, the government shifted its anti-terrorist efforts to precautionary rather than reactive. However, to understand the political changes, one must examine the risks and power of terrorism across the globe. Across the United States, the belief that Al Qaeda acts as the supreme and central base of terrorism world wide is a common theory. In reality, Al Qae...

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...orism exists as a minority, both at home and abroad. Terrorism exists as a global issue and one nation does not hold the capability of putting such a widespread and untraceable sect to rest. My proposal is that the United States should take minor precautionary measures in order to prepare for future terrorist attacks and gather research in order to learn more about the enemy and dangers they will face. However, taking away civil liberties of various immigrants or citizens, as well as bypassing previously established laws and procedures should not be enacted except in the most dire circumstances.

Works Cited

Glasser, Susan B. "U.S. Figures Show Sharp Global Rise in Terrorism." Washington Post

[Online] 27 Apr 2005, A01 1-3.

Lamy, Steven L. Introduction to Global Politics. 6th ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2011. 62-114. Print.