9/11: Making enemies; some uncomfortable lessons for Europe

Abstract

The paper considers the political, bureaucratic and popular social construction of an enemy in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. The paper identifies the political/military elite of the USA as the centre of gravity of the process of construction. The initial steps in this construction process are recalled. The European reactions are noted. The British reactions are noted. Two conclusions are offered: firstly, formally, it is clear that political/military elites order their actions within the context of established discourses which if fractured are quickly re-constituted; and secondly, substantively, that the US actions in Afghanistan (and elsewhere) are best seen as a compound of revenge, demonstration and opportunism - all of which is intelligible, less than satisfactory (ethically and practically) and as it has been pursued unilaterally clear evidence of the divide between Europe and the USA, which offers the lesson to the Europeans that the ideas of 'the West' or 'the Western alliance' are likely to have to give way to: (i) a concern for the European Union's own interests; and thereafter, (ii) the task of managing their changing relationship with the USA. Show more