Introduction
Since it is difficult to understand security after the post-Cold War period, the 9/11 tragedy has transformed America's sense of exceptionalism in the twenty-first century. To combat crime by collaborating with other countries throughout the world, the country must embrace the concept of internationalization. Exceptionalism is an informal ideology that instills in Americans the belief that they are unique, immune, and superior to other countries (Patman 2006, p. 963). The country sees itself as a special one, endowed by God with moral and religious missions around the world. It considers itself exceptional in terms of size, economic, and geopolitical position besides seeing itself as a beacon of hope.
The Impact of Globalization
After the Cold War, which occurred in the 1980s, the US foreign policy required reappraisal and several changes in the international relationships contributed to the calmness that resulted. The US emerged as a superpower but globalization in the 21st century has been defined by intense technological advancement and borders have become porous. This has led to several economic, political, security changes in the international relations between the USA and other world nations.
The Porosity of Borders
The porosity of borders has led to great threat to countries such as America because of the liberalization of the markets and movement of people, goods, technology, and other services in and out of the nation. For instance, the bombing of the 9/11 in America is one challenge facing America as it tries to relate with the international community. America still believes in the exceptional nation but less than it was before the occurrences of wars and the attacks. It has limited the power of the federal government by reinterpreting some clauses in the constitution to fit in the modern day America (Patman 2006, p. 964).
Changing Culture and Politics
Its culture has also changed such that Americans are more egalitarian, hardworking, neighborly, and religious compared to the past. The politics remain quite exceptional since it does not have a major political party consisting of a working class base. The Democratic Party in the US is not focusing on social issues, which alienated the working class considered to be socially conservative. It concerned with free market economics and traditional values relating to religion and family. The Liberals do their things in the American way by avoiding warfare of class and encouraging themes of upward mobility and opportunities (Schwarzer, Bowler & Cone 2014, p. 19). The governing agendas are not different from those of Europe politics and governance is also related to that of Europe. Although America has some exceptional qualities it is not considered as unique as it was before the Cold War and later the 9/11 attacks.
Changing Security Landscape
Security handling by America has also changed a lot, especially after the 9/11 attacks. After the Cold War, the nation had its ideals of exceptionalism since it remained a superpower and withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile but joined the Rome Treaty (Schwarzer, Bowler, & Cone 2014, p. 20). This indicated that it was ready to work together with other world nations. However, the attack by a terrorist on September 11 showed that the American Military cannot protect its nation from attacks despite being very capable. This demonstrates that America is vulnerable to insecurity just like other nations yet after the end of the Cold War, it was known to be unassailable. The country has put several security measures and joined the world to fight terrorism forming a global coalition to fight it. The nation united with its old adversaries such as China and Russia to fight terrorism while supporting the formation of the state of Palestine.
Economic Measures and International Cooperation
America also had various economic steps against the organizations and people who were suspected of having relations with terrorism. It froze some bank accounts of suspected terrorists and made threats to groups alleged to be doing trade with terror groups. This was under the UN Security Council Resolution 1373 that wanted to suppress terrorists' financing. For instance, accounts linked to Bin laden worth $24 billion were frozen in the world on 12 October 2001 (Fitzgerald 2002, p. 1). More budgetary allocation on training troops, buying warplanes, and aircraft were affected. Funding nations that are fighting terrorism has become the government's focus such as in Somalia in which troops such as AMISOM that has been fighting the Al Shabab terror group (Lotze & Kasumba 2012, p. 117). Without security, a nation may never develop and American leaders are keen on reducing the influence of violence in other nations by providing resources, and equipment.
The Impact of Globalization on Exceptionalism
The US has considered exceptional helping to shape its values but the end of the Cold War and globalization are shaping its relationship with the international community and its position in the globe. The September 11 attacks exposed the weakness of the American military and revealed its weakness of exceptionalism ideology. The government of George W. Bush embarked on massive changes on the economy, political, and security that allowed it to work with the international community. It is a fact that the country cannot secure its citizens through hard power alone without collaborating with other nations and international bodies. Globalization calls for unity and contributions by nations to counter terrorist influence and reduce their power.
References
Fitzgerald, P. L. (2002). Managing Smart Sanctions against Terrorism Wisely. New England Law Review, 36(4).
Lotze, W., & Kasumba, Y. (2012). AMISOM and the Protection of Civilians in Somalia. ct2| 2012, 1, 117.
Patman, R. G. (2006). Globalisation, the new US Exceptionalism and the War on Terror. Third World Quarterly, 27(6), 963-986.
Schwarzer, R., Bowler, R. M., & Cone, J. E. (2014). Social Integration Buffers Stress in New York Police after the 9/11 Terrorist Attack. Anxiety, Stress & Coping, 27(1), 18-26.
