HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? Terrorism and the New War

by James F. Hoge Jr., Gideon Rose

In the aftermath of the terrorist attack on September 11, one question has been on everyone's mind: "How did this happen?" This book seeks to answer this question in all its critical aspects -- the motives and actions of the terrorists, the status of the U.S. military, the context of the Middle East, bioterrorism, airport security, diplomatic pressures -- and to provide readers with perspective, information, and sound interpretation. The editors of Foreign Affairs have brought together noted experts whose insights make the events of that terrible day more understandable, even as we steel ourselves for the conflicts ahead.

Genres: History, Terrorism, Nonfiction, Politics

352 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

Reviews

[Mallory]

Interesting and eye-opening in some cases to read this collection of essays/articles that had been published in the few months after 9/11/01 now almost 20 years on from the attacks. Some I skimmed, but for the most part, these immediate reactions and thoughts on what would come next and how America would change were fascinating.

Favorite quotes: "The campaign against terrorism will likely last a long time... It takes only a fraction of a percent of any population to create the physical damage and disruptive psychological effects that terrorists seek." - Government's Challenge, Joseph S. Nye, Jr.

"In this sense terrorism is more like a disease: a sudden, virulent outbreak has claimed thousands of lives and shocked the country into a major effort to understand, to detect, and to combat it. Few of the great killer diseases of human history have been entirely eradicated; but many have been brought under control, claiming only a few victims each year. So it will be if the war against terrorism succeeds. And the measures put in place to prevent terrorism will not be abandoned any more than vaccinations and other public health measures are discontinued even after a dread disease is brought under control." - Diplomacy in Wartime, Michael Mandelbaum

[Kyle]

This book was produced just after 9/11, and while it still contains much insight and background, it certainly feels dated. It served its purpose in its time, and can be a good starting point for further inquiry. Being a collection of articles, one can take it or leave it at will.

[Benedict Reid]

Didn't really provide any new insights into the pentagon and world trade centre attacks.

[Anthony]

A look at America's ignorance and denial of coming societal forces and great threats to our way of life.