In 'The Age of Terror,' Strobe Talbott and Nayan Chanda explore the evolving landscape of global conflict in the post-9/11 era. The authors delve into how terrorism has reshaped international relations and domestic policies, urging readers to reassess their understanding of security and freedom. With gripping anecdotes and comprehensive analysis, the book unveils the intricate web connecting political power, societal fears, and the relentless threat of terror. As they expose the complex motivations behind terrorist actions, Talbott and Chanda challenge the notion of strict dichotomies between good and evil. This thought-provoking work leaves readers pondering: How do we navigate a world rife with uncertainty and shadows of violence?
By Strobe Talbott, Nyan Chanda
Published: 2002
"In an interconnected world, we must recognize that terror knows no borders, and the fight against it is a shared responsibility that transcends nations and ideologies."
Momentous events have a way of connecting individuals both to history and to one another. So it was on September 11. Even before more than 4000 people died in less than two hours, there were farewell messages from the sky. In their last minutes, doomed passengers used cell phones to reach loved ones. A short time later, office workers trapped high in the burning towers called spouses, children, parents. Never had so many had the means to say good-bye. During the hours afterward, the survivors scrambled to make contact with family and friends. "Are you all right?" they asked. As the enormity of it all began to sink in, the question hanging in the air was, Were we all right? Since September 11, many have noted a humbling irony: the more time we'd spent in the old world and the better we thought we understood its organizing principles, the less ready we were for the new one. Suddenly, familiar terms and concepts were inadequate, starting with the word terrorism itself. The dictionary defines it as violence, particularly against civilians, carried out for a political purpose. September 11 certainly qualified. But American's earlier encounters with terrorism neither anticipated nor encopmassed this new manifestation. Commentators instantly evoked Pearl Harbor, that other bolt-from-the-blue raid, sixty years before, as the closest thing to a precedent. But there really was none. This was something new under the sun.
Strobe Talbott is an acclaimed author, distinguished diplomat, and influential commentator on international relations. He served as the Deputy Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton and has been a key figure in discussions on Russian-American relations post-Cold War. Talbott is known for his insightful writings that blend analysis with a compelling narrative style, making complex political issues accessible to a broader audience. His notable works include 'The Master of the Game: Paul Nitze and the Nuclear Peace' and 'The Russia Hand: A Memoir of Presidential Diplomacy.' His writing often reflects a deep understanding of historical context and personal anecdotes, providing readers with a unique perspective on global affairs.
Nyan Chanda is an acclaimed author and journalist known for his insightful commentary on global affairs and cross-cultural issues. He is the author of notable works such as "The USA and Myanmar: A Strained Relationship" and has contributed articles to various leading publications. Chanda's writing is characterized by its clarity, rigor, and thoughtful analysis of complex subjects, making him a key voice in contemporary literature.
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“In an interconnected world, we must recognize that terror knows no borders, and the fight against it is a shared responsibility that transcends nations and ideologies.”
The Age Of Terror
By Strobe Talbott, Nyan Chanda
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