9/11

Definition

9/11 refers to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, when hijackers took control of four commercial airplanes, crashing two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and one into the Pentagon; the fourth plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to overcome the hijackers. This event significantly impacted global politics, leading to changes in security policies and international relations, especially within democracies.

Related terms

Terrorism: The use of violence or intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political goals.

Homeland Security: A concerted national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States and reduce the country's vulnerability to terrorism.

USA PATRIOT Act: Legislation passed shortly after 9/11 designed to give federal officials greater authority to track and intercept communications, both for law enforcement and foreign intelligence gathering purposes