Two Decades Later, the Enduring Legacy of 9/11

Americans watched in horror as the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, left nearly 3,000 people dead in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Nearly 20 years later, they watched in sorrow as the nation’s military mission in Afghanistan – which began less than a month after 9/11 […] Read more »

It wasn’t hubris that drove America into Afghanistan. It was fear.

… We live history forward, in the chaos of onrushing events, without a clear guide. But we judge history backward, smugly armed with the knowledge of what did happen and uninterested in what might have happened. This partly explains the oscillation of U.S. foreign policy over the decades between periods […] Read more »

Public Opinion on War and Terror: Manipulated or Manipulating?

Leaders, elites, and the media may put ideas on the shelf, but that doesn’t mean people will buy them. And when they do, it may often be best to conclude that the message has struck a responsive chord rather than that the public has been manipulated. As people sort through […] Read more »

British, French and German Publics Give Biden High Marks After U.S. Election

Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump was broadly unpopular internationally, and his poor ratings have had a negative impact on America’s overall image, especially among key allies and partners of the United States. By contrast, early reviews for his successor, President-elect Joe Biden, are much more positive, according to a new […] Read more »

Americans Expect History to Judge Trump Harshly

Six in 10 Americans believe that history will regard President Donald Trump negatively, including 47% who say he will be remembered for doing a “poor” job. In contrast, fewer than three in 10 think he will be remembered as an “outstanding” (9%) or “above average” (20%) president. Relatively few, 10%, […] Read more »