Directions: Choose A Political, Economic, Or Social Current

Directionschoose A Political Economic Or Social Current Eventand De

Choose a political, economic, or social current event and describe how that current event is contentious in today’s post-9/11 world, where it was not an issue prior to 9/11. This short summary and analysis of a current global event should be a minimum of 500 words. Use a minimum of two references. Use APA format to cite in-text and provide a reference list.

Paper For Above instruction

The post-9/11 era has significantly reshaped global political, economic, and social landscapes, introducing issues that were previously less prominent or entirely absent. Among these, the heightened security concerns and the global counterterrorism efforts have become central themes, especially impacting international relations, domestic policies, and societal perceptions. This essay explores the contentious nature of the cybersecurity and surveillance policies that have emerged post-9/11, highlighting how these issues have become contentious in the contemporary world, contrasting with the pre-9/11 period where such issues were less prominent.

Prior to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the global focus was predominantly on traditional security threats and economic development. The notion of pervasive digital surveillance and cybersecurity as tools for combating terrorism was relatively peripheral. However, the attacks dramatically shifted this focus, prompting nations to bolster their intelligence and surveillance infrastructures. Governments, notably the United States, enacted legislation such as the USA PATRIOT Act, which expanded authorities to monitor communications and gather intelligence on citizens and foreigners alike (Lyon, 2003). These measures sparked widespread debate about the balance between national security and individual privacy rights, making these issues central to political discourse and societal values.

The contentiousness of cybersecurity and surveillance policies has grown due to their implications for civil liberties and privacy. Critics argue that the post-9/11 emphasis on security has led to excessive governmental intrusion into personal privacy, often without sufficient oversight or accountability. The revelations by Edward Snowden in 2013 about the National Security Agency’s (NSA) global surveillance programs exemplified this contentious debate. Snowden’s disclosures exposed the extent of government surveillance, igniting concerns about mass data collection and the erosion of civil liberties (Greenwald, 2014). Prior to 9/11, government surveillance was generally more targeted and limited, with less public awareness or acceptance of mass data collection practices.

The societal contention revolves around the tension between national security measures and individual rights. Post-9/11 security policies have often justified infringements on privacy as necessary sacrifices for safety; however, many argue these measures threaten democratic values and civil liberties. The argument is further complicated by technological advancements that enable mass data collection and analysis, raising questions about oversight and accountability. The controversy extends into the realm of international law, with debates on the sovereignty and jurisdiction of digital surveillance activities, especially when conducted by foreign intelligence agencies (Brenner & Valcke, 2012). This aspect was less contentious before 9/11, as the digital landscape was less integrated into security policies and international relations.

The economic dimension of this contentious issue is also notable. The security industry has expanded rapidly, creating economic opportunities but also raising concerns about profiteering and the politicization of security policies. The costs associated with implementing and maintaining surveillance infrastructures are substantial, and the allocation of resources often becomes politicized. Furthermore, the reliance on digital security measures has implications for global commerce, especially given the interconnectedness of digital infrastructure and financial markets.

In conclusion, the emergence of widespread surveillance and cybersecurity policies as contentious issues post-9/11 exemplifies how global security concerns have evolved radically since the attacks. Unlike the pre-9/11 era, where such issues were peripheral, today they are central to debates about civil liberties, international relations, and the ethical limits of security measures. The controversy continues as societies grapple with balancing security and personal freedoms in an increasingly digital world, reflecting the profound and lasting impact of the post-9/11 security paradigm shift.

References

• Brenner, S., & Valcke, P. (2012). Privacy, Surveillance, and Policy: A Comparative Analysis. Journal of International Security Policy, 28(2), 137-154.
• Greenwald, G. (2014). No Place to Hide: Edward Snowden, the NSA, and the Surveillance State. Metropolitan Books.
• Lyon, D. (2003). Surveillance after September 11. Polity Press.