3 min read•Last Updated on August 16, 2024
Geopolitics shapes global power dynamics through geographical factors like resources and strategic locations. It influences foreign policy, military strategies, and economic decisions, with historical events like the Cold War demonstrating its impact on alliances and power structures.
Contemporary geopolitical issues include climate change, cyber warfare, and space exploration. These reshape traditional notions of state power, introducing new dimensions of conflict and security while altering economic power dynamics in the international arena.
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Renewables: The end of energy geopolitics? | All About World Politics View original
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Renewables: The end of energy geopolitics? | All About World Politics View original
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The African Union (AU) is a continental organization established in 2001 to promote unity, cooperation, and development among African states. It replaced the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and aims to enhance political and economic integration, foster peace and security, and address the continent's socio-economic challenges through collective action.
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The African Union (AU) is a continental organization established in 2001 to promote unity, cooperation, and development among African states. It replaced the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and aims to enhance political and economic integration, foster peace and security, and address the continent's socio-economic challenges through collective action.
Term 1 of 36
Geopolitics refers to the study of the effects of geography on international politics and international relations. It examines how physical geography, resources, and human activities influence political power dynamics, national interests, and global conflicts. This concept is essential for understanding how countries interact, compete for resources, and align with or against one another on the world stage.
Territoriality: The assertion of control over a specific geographic area, influencing political boundaries and power relations among states.
Balance of Power: A political theory that suggests national security is enhanced when military capability is distributed so that no one nation is strong enough to dominate all others.
Realism: A theory in international relations that emphasizes the competitive and conflictual side of international politics, where states act primarily in their own interest.
Foreign policy refers to a government's strategy in dealing with other nations, encompassing decisions and actions taken to achieve national interests and promote international relations. It includes diplomacy, trade agreements, military interventions, and alliances, all aimed at fostering positive relationships or addressing conflicts with other countries. This approach is shaped by factors like geography, economic interests, and historical ties, significantly influencing global interactions.
Diplomacy: The art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of states or organizations to manage international relations.
Bilateral Relations: Interactions and agreements between two countries that focus on mutual interests and cooperation.
Geopolitics: The study of the effects of geography on international politics and relations, emphasizing the strategic importance of geographic locations.
Military strategies refer to the plans and actions that a country or military organization implements to achieve specific objectives in warfare or conflict. These strategies involve the careful coordination of resources, tactics, and operations to effectively address threats and challenges while considering geopolitical factors, alliances, and the nature of the enemy.
Tactics: The specific methods and maneuvers used by military forces to achieve short-term objectives within a larger strategic framework.
Logistics: The planning and execution of the movement and support of forces, which is crucial for ensuring that troops have the necessary supplies and equipment during operations.
Geopolitics: The study of the effects of geography on international politics and relations, which can influence military strategies based on territorial considerations and resource availability.
The Cold War was a prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, lasting roughly from the end of World War II in 1947 until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. This era was marked by political rivalry, military conflicts, and ideological battles, predominantly between capitalism and communism. The Cold War significantly influenced international relations, shaping alliances, conflicts, and policies around the globe, especially in Europe.
NATO: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a military alliance formed in 1949 among Western nations to counter Soviet expansion and ensure collective defense.
Warsaw Pact: A military alliance established in 1955 among the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries as a response to NATO, aimed at countering Western influence.
Detente: A period of relaxed tensions and improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1970s, characterized by arms control agreements and diplomatic negotiations.
Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation patterns, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. This phenomenon has far-reaching effects on geopolitics, environmental hazards, population dynamics, ecosystems, sustainable development, human impacts, and global initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges.
greenhouse gases: Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalents.
renewable energy: Energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydro power, which can help mitigate climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Cyber warfare refers to the use of digital attacks by one nation to disrupt the activities of another nation, targeting computer systems, networks, and infrastructures. This form of warfare has transformed traditional conflict by introducing new tactics that can impact national security, economy, and society without the need for physical confrontation. As countries increasingly rely on technology, cyber warfare has become a critical component of geopolitical strategies.
Cyber espionage: The practice of using technology to gain unauthorized access to confidential information held by governments or corporations for strategic advantage.
Information warfare: The use of information and communication technologies to influence, disrupt, or deceive adversaries in order to gain a competitive edge.
Malware: Malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
Space exploration is the investigation of outer space through the use of spacecraft and other technologies. This endeavor not only involves the scientific study of celestial bodies but also has significant geopolitical implications as nations engage in competition and collaboration for technological advancement, resource acquisition, and national security.
Satellite: An object launched into orbit around a celestial body for purposes such as communication, weather monitoring, and scientific research.
International Space Station (ISS): A habitable artificial satellite that serves as a research laboratory, fostering international cooperation in space exploration among multiple countries.
Space Race: The competition between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War to achieve significant milestones in space exploration.
Natural resources are materials or substances that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain or essential needs, such as water, minerals, forests, and fossil fuels. The availability and management of these resources are crucial for nations' economies and can significantly influence political power dynamics and international relations.
Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and timber.
Non-Renewable Resources: Resources that exist in finite amounts and cannot be replenished within a human lifespan, like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Resource Scarcity: The situation that arises when the demand for a natural resource exceeds its supply, often leading to competition and conflict among nations.
Economic policies refer to the strategies and decisions made by governments or organizations to manage and influence their economies. These policies encompass a range of actions such as taxation, government spending, trade regulations, and monetary policy aimed at promoting economic stability, growth, and social welfare. In the realm of geopolitics and international relations, economic policies play a crucial role in shaping interactions between countries, impacting global trade agreements and international economic partnerships.
Monetary Policy: The process by which a central bank manages the money supply and interest rates to influence economic activity.
Fiscal Policy: Government policies regarding taxation and spending to influence economic conditions.
Trade Policy: A set of regulations and agreements that govern international trade and investment between countries.
Energy security refers to the reliable availability of energy resources at an affordable price. It encompasses various aspects, including the stability of energy supply, the resilience of energy infrastructure, and the geopolitical relationships that influence access to energy sources. The concept is crucial in understanding how nations manage their energy needs while navigating international relations and potential conflicts over resources.
Energy Independence: The state in which a nation can meet its energy needs without relying on imports from other countries, thereby reducing vulnerability to external disruptions.
Geopolitical Risk: The potential for political conflict or instability in a region that can impact energy supply chains and market prices, influencing global energy security.
Renewable Energy: Energy derived from resources that are replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which can contribute to greater energy security by diversifying the energy mix.
Demographic shifts refer to changes in the population structure of a specific area, typically involving factors such as age, race, gender, and migration patterns. These shifts can influence socio-economic conditions, political landscapes, and cultural dynamics within societies, often leading to significant impacts on governance and international relations.
Urbanization: The process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas, often resulting in changes to social structures and economic activities.
Migration: The movement of people from one place to another, which can be driven by factors such as economic opportunities, conflict, or environmental changes.
Aging Population: A demographic trend characterized by an increasing median age in a population, often due to declining birth rates and longer life expectancies.
Technological advancements refer to the innovations and improvements in technology that enhance processes, productivity, and capabilities across various sectors. These advancements often transform communication, transportation, military capabilities, and economic practices, impacting how countries interact and establish their roles on the global stage.
Globalization: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale, often facilitated by technological advancements in communication and transportation.
Cybersecurity: The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks, which have become increasingly important due to technological advancements that connect nations and economies.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems, which has profound implications for international relations, economy, and security.
Heartland Theory is a geopolitical concept developed by Halford Mackinder in the early 20th century, positing that the nation that controls the central region of Eurasia, known as the 'Heartland,' would dominate global power and influence. This theory highlights the strategic importance of geography in shaping political power dynamics, especially during times of conflict and competition among great powers.
Geopolitics: The study of the effects of geography on international politics and international relations, focusing on the spatial distribution of power and resources.
Rimland Theory: A theory proposed by Nicholas Spykman, suggesting that power lies not in the Heartland itself but in the coastal fringes or 'Rimland' surrounding it, emphasizing control over maritime access.
Bipolarity: A global power structure characterized by two dominant states or coalitions that hold significant influence over international affairs, often seen during the Cold War.
The Rimland Theory is a geopolitical concept developed by Nicholas Spykman in the early 20th century, suggesting that the coastal fringes of Eurasia, known as the 'rimland,' are crucial for global power. This theory emphasizes that whoever controls these strategic areas, which include Western Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia, has the potential to dominate the world due to their significant resources and geopolitical position.
Heartland Theory: A geopolitical hypothesis by Halford Mackinder proposing that the central region of Eurasia, or the 'Heartland,' is key to controlling global power.
Geopolitics: The study of how geographical factors influence international politics and relations, including strategic decisions made by states.
Containment: A foreign policy strategy aimed at preventing the expansion of an adversary's influence, particularly associated with U.S. policies during the Cold War.
Sea power refers to a nation's ability to project its influence and military strength through control and dominance of the seas and maritime routes. It encompasses the use of naval forces, merchant shipping, and maritime trade to achieve strategic objectives, making it a crucial element in geopolitics and international relations.
Naval Warfare: The military operations conducted by naval forces, involving combat between warships at sea and other maritime engagements.
Maritime Trade: The exchange of goods and services across international waters, which is essential for economic growth and global connectivity.
Geostrategy: A field of study that analyzes the effects of geography on international politics and military strategy, often focusing on the importance of geographical features such as oceans and waterways.
Critical geopolitics is an approach that examines how geopolitical knowledge is constructed and how it influences political power and international relations. This perspective focuses on the social, cultural, and historical contexts that shape our understanding of global politics, highlighting the role of discourse in defining borders, identities, and conflicts.
Geopolitical Discourse: The language and narratives used to describe and interpret geopolitical events and relationships, often shaping public perceptions and policy decisions.
Constructivism: A theory in international relations that emphasizes the role of social constructs, such as identities and norms, in shaping state behavior and international outcomes.
Power Relations: The dynamics of power between different actors in international politics, including states, non-state actors, and institutions, influencing decisions and interactions on the global stage.
Geopolitical codes refer to the strategic frameworks and beliefs that guide a country's foreign policy and international relations. These codes are shaped by historical, cultural, geographical, and political contexts, influencing how nations perceive their place in the world and their interactions with other states. They help define national interests, security strategies, and the way countries approach diplomacy, conflict, and cooperation on the global stage.
Realism: A theory in international relations that emphasizes the competitive and conflictual side of international politics, focusing on power and national interests.
Soft Power: The ability of a country to influence others through cultural or ideological means rather than coercion or military force.
Strategic Culture: The set of beliefs, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of force that influences a state's security policy and decision-making.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global development strategy launched by China in 2013, aiming to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter economic future through building infrastructure and broadening trade links across Asia, Europe, and Africa. This initiative reflects China's ambition to expand its influence in global trade and geopolitics while also providing significant investment in infrastructure projects in partner countries.
Silk Road: An ancient network of trade routes that connected China with the Mediterranean, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas.
Infrastructure Investment: Financial commitment to building and improving essential facilities and systems, such as roads, railways, ports, and energy projects.
Geopolitical Influence: The impact a country has on international politics and relations due to its geographic position and economic power.
Arctic competition refers to the strategic rivalry among nations in the Arctic region, driven by interests in natural resources, geopolitical influence, and emerging shipping routes. As climate change reduces ice coverage, countries are increasingly focused on asserting their claims to territorial waters and resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. This competition not only involves Arctic nations but also non-Arctic countries looking to expand their influence in this geopolitically significant area.
Continental Shelf: A submerged border of a continent that extends into the ocean, where countries can claim rights over natural resources.
Nautical Shipping Routes: Paths used by ships to transport goods, which are becoming more accessible due to melting Arctic ice.
Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions regarding its territory, including claims in the Arctic.
The Indo-Pacific Framework refers to a strategic concept that emphasizes the importance of cooperation and partnerships among nations in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to rising geopolitical challenges. This framework seeks to enhance economic growth, security, and stability through collaborative efforts among countries, focusing on promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, where the principles of international law are upheld and regional disputes are addressed through dialogue rather than coercion.
Quad: A strategic alliance comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia aimed at promoting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Belt and Road Initiative: China's global development strategy that aims to enhance trade and investment through infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe, and beyond, influencing the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific.
ASEAN: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional organization that promotes political and economic cooperation among Southeast Asian countries, playing a vital role in the Indo-Pacific Framework.
Topography refers to the arrangement of natural and artificial physical features of an area, including its terrain, elevations, and landforms. Understanding topography is crucial as it influences various factors such as human settlement patterns, political boundaries, resource distribution, and environmental conditions. By examining the topography of a region, one can gain insights into how geographical features shape human interactions and the geopolitical landscape.
Elevation: The height of a specific point on the Earth's surface above sea level, which affects climate, vegetation, and human activities.
Landform: Natural features of the Earth's surface, such as mountains, hills, valleys, and plains, that result from various geological processes.
Geographical Information System (GIS): A system that captures, stores, analyzes, and manages spatial and geographic data to understand and visualize topographical information.
Strategic waterways are crucial navigable routes that hold significant importance for international trade, military strategy, and geopolitical power. They serve as essential conduits for the movement of goods and resources, influencing global trade patterns and regional stability. Control over these waterways can impact national security and economic interests, making them focal points in international relations and conflicts.
Chokepoint: A narrow passage, such as a strait or canal, that is crucial for maritime navigation and can be easily controlled or blocked, affecting global shipping routes.
Maritime Trade Routes: Established paths on the ocean used for transporting goods by sea, which are influenced by geography, political relations, and economic factors.
Naval Power: The capability of a nation to use naval forces to achieve its objectives at sea, including protecting shipping routes and projecting power in strategic waterways.
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, aimed at promoting peace, security, and cooperation among member states. It provides a platform for dialogue and negotiation on global issues, addressing challenges such as conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. The UN plays a critical role in shaping international relations and establishing norms that govern global interactions.
General Assembly: The main deliberative assembly of the UN where all member states have equal representation and discuss various international issues.
Security Council: A key component of the UN responsible for maintaining international peace and security, with the power to authorize military action and impose sanctions.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A collection of 17 interlinked global goals set by the UN to address social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization that regulates international trade by providing a framework for negotiating trade agreements and resolving trade disputes. Established in 1995, the WTO aims to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible, playing a crucial role in the dynamics of geopolitics and international relations by influencing economic policies and fostering global cooperation.
Trade Liberalization: The removal or reduction of trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas to promote free trade among countries.
Globalization: The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, often through trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Tariff: A tax imposed by a government on imported goods, often used to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization that aims to promote global economic stability and growth by providing financial assistance, policy advice, and technical assistance to its member countries. Established in 1944, the IMF plays a crucial role in the geopolitical landscape, influencing international relations through its support for economic reforms, stabilization efforts, and the management of exchange rates.
World Bank: An international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of poorer countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): An international reserve asset created by the IMF to supplement its member countries' official reserves, valued based on a basket of currencies.
Economic Stabilization: Policies and measures implemented to stabilize an economy experiencing fluctuations, often involving adjustments in fiscal and monetary policy.
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects. It aims to reduce poverty and support development by offering financial resources, technical expertise, and policy advice. Its work is crucial in fostering economic development and global cooperation, making it a key player in international relations and the pursuit of sustainable development goals.
International Monetary Fund (IMF): An international organization that aims to promote global economic stability and growth by providing monetary cooperation and financial stability among its member countries.
Development Aid: Financial assistance given by governments and other organizations to support the economic development and welfare of developing countries.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations to address a range of social, environmental, and economic challenges, aiming for a better future for all.
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 European countries that are committed to promoting integration, cooperation, and the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital. The EU aims to enhance economic collaboration among member states while maintaining a degree of sovereignty for each nation. This integration influences various areas such as industries, international relations, trade practices, and regional dynamics in Western and Central Europe.
Eurozone: The Eurozone refers to the group of EU countries that have adopted the euro as their official currency, facilitating easier trade and economic stability among its members.
Schengen Area: The Schengen Area is a zone in which 26 European countries abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders, promoting unrestricted movement for individuals within member countries.
Common Market: A common market is an agreement among countries to allow free movement of goods, services, labor, and capital among them, fostering economic cooperation and integration.
The African Union (AU) is a continental organization established in 2001 to promote unity, cooperation, and development among African states. It replaced the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and aims to enhance political and economic integration, foster peace and security, and address the continent's socio-economic challenges through collective action.
Pan-Africanism: A political and social movement that advocates for the unity and solidarity of African nations and people worldwide.
NEPAD: The New Partnership for Africa's Development, an initiative under the AU that aims to promote sustainable development and eradicate poverty in Africa.
Regional Integration: The process by which neighboring countries in a region cooperate more closely to achieve economic and political benefits.
ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a regional organization established in 1967 to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability among its member countries in Southeast Asia. The organization plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue and collaboration on various geopolitical issues, trade relations, and socio-cultural exchanges, thus shaping the dynamics of international relations within the region.
Regionalism: A political and economic process where countries in a specific region work together to address shared challenges and promote mutual interests.
Free Trade Agreement: An agreement between countries to reduce or eliminate trade barriers, such as tariffs and quotas, to facilitate easier exchange of goods and services.
Geopolitics: The study of the effects of geography on international politics and international relations, particularly in relation to strategic interests.
NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance established in 1949 between North American and European countries to provide collective defense against aggression. The organization promotes democratic values and enables members to consult and cooperate on defense and security-related issues to enhance their collective security, especially in the context of geopolitical tensions and international relations.
Collective Defense: A security arrangement where member states agree that an armed attack against one or more of them is considered an attack against all, as outlined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty.
Article 5: The principle within the NATO treaty that states that an attack against one member is an attack against all members, serving as the foundation of NATO's collective defense policy.
Partnership for Peace: A NATO program aimed at building trust and cooperation with non-member countries to promote stability and peace in Europe and beyond.
Amnesty International is a global human rights organization founded in 1961, dedicated to advocating for the protection and promotion of human rights across the world. The organization conducts research and generates action to prevent abuses, highlight injustices, and demand accountability from governments and other entities involved in human rights violations, playing a crucial role in the context of geopolitics and international relations.
Human Rights: Basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death, including the right to life, freedom of expression, and equality before the law.
NGO (Non-Governmental Organization): A non-profit organization that operates independently of any government, often focused on humanitarian, social, or environmental issues.
International Law: A set of rules and principles that govern the relations between nations, which includes treaties, conventions, and customary practices regarding human rights.
Greenpeace is an international non-governmental organization focused on environmental activism and advocacy. It aims to address pressing global environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, overfishing, and pollution through peaceful protests, lobbying, and awareness campaigns. The organization’s work is closely tied to geopolitics and international relations, as it seeks to influence government policies and corporate practices worldwide for a more sustainable future.
Environmentalism: A social and political movement that seeks to protect the environment through advocacy, education, and policy changes.
Sustainability: The practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, often involving responsible resource management.
NGO (Non-Governmental Organization): A non-profit group that operates independently of government influence, often working on social, political, or environmental issues.
ExxonMobil is one of the largest publicly traded oil and gas companies in the world, formed through the merger of Exxon and Mobil in 1999. This company plays a significant role in global energy production and distribution, heavily influencing geopolitical dynamics and international relations through its operations and investments across various countries.
Fossil Fuels: Natural substances formed from the remains of ancient organisms, including coal, oil, and natural gas, which are primary energy sources for ExxonMobil's operations.
OPEC: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, a group of oil-producing nations that coordinates policies to manage oil production and prices, impacting companies like ExxonMobil.
Energy Security: The uninterrupted availability of energy resources at an affordable price, which is crucial for countries and is influenced by the operations of major oil companies like ExxonMobil.
Apple refers to a globally recognized technology company that designs, manufactures, and markets consumer electronics, software, and services. Known for its innovative products like the iPhone and Mac computers, Apple plays a significant role in geopolitics and international relations due to its influence on global trade, economy, and technology standards.
Globalization: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale, often resulting in increased interconnectedness between countries.
Trade Agreements: Formal agreements between countries regarding the conditions of trade in goods and services, which can be influenced by multinational corporations like Apple.
Intellectual Property: Legal rights that result from intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary, and artistic fields, crucial for protecting innovations and technologies developed by companies like Apple.
al-Qaeda is a militant Islamist organization founded in the late 1980s by Osama bin Laden, known for its extremist ideology and global network of jihadist groups. It gained notoriety for orchestrating numerous terrorist attacks, most famously the September 11 attacks in the United States in 2001, which profoundly affected international relations and geopolitical dynamics.
Islamic Jihad: An ideology that advocates for armed struggle against perceived enemies of Islam, often involving violent acts to achieve political and religious goals.
Global Terrorism: The use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, to achieve political aims on an international scale.
Salafism: A conservative reform movement within Sunni Islam that seeks to return to what its adherents believe to be the original practices of the faith, often associated with extremist views.
ISIS, or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is a militant jihadist group that emerged in the early 2000s and gained global notoriety for its brutal tactics and attempts to establish a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria. This group is characterized by its extreme interpretation of Sunni Islam and has been involved in numerous acts of terrorism and violence, significantly impacting geopolitics and international relations, especially in North Africa and the Middle East.
Caliphate: A form of Islamic government led by a caliph, who is considered a political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad.
Jihadism: A militant ideology that promotes violent struggle against perceived enemies of Islam, often associated with extremist groups like ISIS.
Al-Qaeda: A global militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Laden, known for orchestrating terrorist attacks, including the September 11 attacks in the United States.