National Security and the International System

Published February 10, 2022

Condoleezza Rice explains the origins and functions of the international system. Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the international system has faced significant challenges. From globalization’s decreasing popularity to shifting security frameworks, these challenges have required the United States to re-evaluate its national security efforts.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important for the United States to have allies in maintaining the liberal international order?
2. How has American national security changed since the attacks on September 11, 2001?

Additional Resources:

• Watch “Global Hot Spots with Condoleezza Rice” on PolicyEd. Available here.
• Watch “Condoleezza Rice on What Unifies Us as Americans” on PolicyEd. Available here.
• Watch “One Hundred years of Democracy and Foreign Policy,” with Condoleezza Rice, Stephen Krasner, and Niall Ferguson, on PolicyEd. Available here.