Publication

The attacks of September 11 2001, aroused an emotional shock of the kind rarely seen as their odious nature and their broadcast and replay on national television struck at the very heart of American power. All of this contributed to making the event unparalleled. It will constitute an important moment in the world of international relations even if it is imprudent to see it as the harbinger of the Third World War or even as the beginning of a new era in international relations, as certain commentators have announced, undoubtedly a bit precipitously. Nevertheless, several lessons can be taken from the attacks.