The War on Terror and Terror of War

Abstract

In this book, the author, Harry Anastasiou, explains previously unaddressed historical outcomes resulting from the combined impact of the September 11, 2001 attacks and the United States’ subsequent Global War on Terror. While expounding on the finer details of the decades-long interaction between militant jihadism and the Global War on Terror, the analysis explores two contrasting narratives: that of bellicose nationalism and that of peace and democracy. As central drivers in the historical evolution of America, their contrasting influences shaped policy, political culture and strategic approaches in both the domestic and international arenas. Throughout the post-9/11 era, mainstream America underwent significant cultural and political shifts away from the narrative of peace and democracy as it tilted towards bellicose nationalism. Focusing primarily on the presidency of George W. Bush, the book explores how nationalism harmed the rule of law, human rights and democracy, both domestically and internationally. Viewing war as a regime, rather than as a means to promote democracy, the author conducts a reality-based demythologization of war, demonstrating how costly and counterproductive it has been. In this light, he questions the historical efficacy of war as well as the way nationalism both generates and glorifies war.