U.S. War on Terror Leaves Lasting Security and Civil Liberties Trade-offs

The attacks on September 11, 2001, prompted a sweeping U.S. military and intelligence response known as the war on terror. Over the following 25 years, this campaign reshaped American foreign policy, expanded surveillance powers, and led to prolonged conflicts abroad.

Domestically, the creation of new agencies and legal frameworks aimed at preventing future attacks has sparked ongoing discussions about the balance between national security and individual freedoms. The legacy of this era continues to influence U.S. strategy and