What's Happening?
On September 15, 2026, Arizona State University and New America will co-host the 12th Annual Future Security Forum in Washington D.C. This year's forum, titled "25 Years After September 11, Lessons From America’s Post-9/11 Wars," is organized in collaboration
with the Global SOF Foundation, Security & Defence PLuS, the McCain Institute, and Small Wars Journal. The event will serve as a platform to reflect on the U.S. and its allies' counterterrorism efforts over the past two and a half decades. Key topics for discussion include insights derived from extensive war reporting, how America's allies perceive the country today, and the ways in which the Iran War has built upon prior policies. The forum aims to provide a comprehensive retrospective on the strategies, successes, and challenges encountered since the September 11 attacks, offering a critical examination of the long-term impacts of these conflicts and policies.
Why It's Important?
This forum is highly significant for understanding the evolution and future direction of U.S. national security policy. A quarter-century after 9/11, a critical review of counterterrorism efforts is essential for policymakers, military strategists, and the public. The discussions on lessons learned from America's post-9/11 wars can inform future military engagements, intelligence operations, and diplomatic strategies, potentially leading to more effective and sustainable approaches to global security threats. The focus on how allies perceive the U.S. today is crucial for maintaining and strengthening international coalitions, which are vital for addressing transnational challenges. Furthermore, examining the continuity and shifts in policy, particularly concerning the Iran War, provides valuable context for current geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and beyond. The insights generated from this forum could influence legislative decisions, defense spending, and foreign policy priorities, impacting U.S. leadership in global counterterrorism efforts and its relationships with key international partners.
What's Next?
The 12th Annual Future Security Forum will convene for a full day of discussions, with both in-person attendance in Washington D.C. and online viewing options available. The insights and conclusions drawn from the forum's reflections on U.S. counterterrorism efforts are likely to be disseminated through publications, policy briefs, and academic papers by the organizing institutions. These findings could influence ongoing debates within the U.S. government, think tanks, and academic circles regarding national security strategies. The forum's emphasis on lessons learned suggests a forward-looking approach, aiming to apply past experiences to future policy development. It is probable that the discussions will contribute to shaping public discourse on the effectiveness and ethical implications of U.S. military and intelligence operations, potentially leading to adjustments in how the U.S. engages with global security challenges in the coming years.
Beyond the Headlines
The forum's retrospective on 25 years of post-9/11 wars delves into the profound societal and ethical implications of prolonged counterterrorism campaigns. Beyond military and political strategies, these discussions will likely touch upon the human cost of conflict, the impact on civil liberties, and the psychological toll on both combatants and civilians. The examination of war reporting offers a critical lens on how narratives are constructed and consumed, influencing public opinion and policy decisions. The question of how America's allies view the country today speaks to the erosion or strengthening of trust and alliances, which are intangible yet vital assets in international relations. Furthermore, the continuity of policies from the post-9/11 era to the Iran War highlights the complex and often unintended consequences of foreign policy decisions, underscoring the need for continuous re-evaluation and adaptation in a rapidly changing global landscape. This deeper analysis can foster a more nuanced understanding of the long-term legacy of these conflicts on American society and its global standing.
