The Changing Geopolitics of the 21st Century

The attacks of September 11, 2001 changed the political atmosphere, and thus the atmosphere of the government as well, for the United States. The events that took place that day led to a drastic change in the way the United States interacts with other nations and their governments. The United States quickly made decisions to interfere with the politics of Afghanistan, and later (and even more so) Iraq. This method of taking control over foreign nations, was previously not practiced to nearly this extent ever in history. The effects of the United State's behavior has and will continue to affect and change the geopolitics of the twenty-first century.

The United States forced their control on foreign nations and thus, attempted to force their style of governing on these nations, as well. The United States has continued to attempt to spread democracy throughout the world, especially in Iraq. I do not think it is possible, nor plausible, to force one nation's form of government upon another nation, simply because that is what they think is best. This force of government and governing policies upon another nation is just one example of the change of geopolitics for the twenty-first century as a result of the aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001.

The changes brought on by the United State's decisions and practices are many. These changes are also quite drastic. The world now has accepted the forceful entering and control of a foreign nation by another nation, and it has also allowed the control of that nation's people, including those who are innocent. This is, very likely, politically unacceptable, or at least it was, previously. The force of one nation's form of government on another nation is, although not a new concept, becoming more acceptable in the twenty-first century than in the previous century due to the acceptance of this behavior, overall, by the United States simply as a result of the attacks that took place on September 11, 2001.

The economy of the United States and the nations involved in the wars and conflicts with the United States, either by being in war or conflict with the country, or simply offering financial support to one side or the other, has changed drastically. In the coming years, and likely decades, too, nations who have been set back, or nearly depleted financially, will have to find ways to deal with these long standing effects. The events that took place on this single day will economically affect much of the world for years after. This is possibly one of the most financially draining events that ever took place in the world, if you include the events that took place afterwards - the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq being two of the largest money drainers.

These effects are the first to be seen in this extent in the history of the world. The United States, and many other nations, will have to adapt to and find ways to deal with the numerous effects of the attacks on September 11, 2001. They will have to accept the political, governmental, and economic changes that have come and will continue to, and they will need to adapt to these changes, since the geopolitics of the 21st century will be significantly different than the previous century.