Students and faculty gathered in the Public Affairs Center on Thursday for a symposium entitled “The Repercussion of September 11.” In a series of speeches, professors from the government and history departments spoke about the changed political atmosphere in America, particularly with consideration to the presidential election in November.
Panelists included Professors of Government Martha Crenshaw, Richard Boyd, John Finn and Doug Foyle, and Associate Professor of History Claire Potter. Students crowded into the lecture hall to listen as the professors articulated their views on topics such as the global war on terror, the war in Iraq, the presidential election, the erosion of civil liberties and current American foreign policy.
“It was a very powerful talk,” said Josh Cohen ’05.
Discussion of the direct impacts of the terrorist attacks of September 11 was limited. Potter spoke about the failure to prevent the attacks, attributing it to the inability of intelligence agencies to differentiate vital information about the plot from “chatter,” or electronic communications.
“We were not very efficient,” Cohen said. “We had the information and it was presented to the White House.”
Much of the symposium focused on the relationship between the global war on terror and the war in Iraq. Crenshaw referred to the war in Iraq as the most controversial aspect of the international struggle to end terrorism. She raised questions about whether the war is winnable and whether it has distracted the United States from commitments in Afghanistan.
The connection between the United States presidential election and U.S. foreign policy was also a prominent theme in the professors’ remarks. The Kerry campaign was referred to contextually as being just one of a long line of campaigns run against incumbent wartime presidents based on criticism of the current administration more than on defining specific alternative policies.
The Republicans and the Democrats are on “a close tipping point,” said Boyd, adding that the events in Iraq will decide the upcoming election.
The talk drew many students and other members of the Wesleyan community who were clearly interested in the politics of post-9/11 America.
“I like how the professors are from different departments,” said Caitlin Herlihy ’06.
Finn’s comments resonated particularly with the audience.
“The lines between war, politics and law are being blurred,” he said, discussing legal measures the government has taken in the past three years to expand the scope of law enforcement powers.
“I’ve never wanted to move to Canada more,” Cohen said after hearing Finn’s opinions about the curbing of civil liberties.
“I wish other departments would do this as well,” said Elizabeth Langston ’05.
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