The September 11 attacks in 2001 profoundly influenced U.S. foreign policy, leading to significant shifts in national security and military strategy. In response to the attacks, the U.S. launched the War on Terror, initiating military operations in Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. This marked a deviation from previous policies, with an increased focus on preemptive strikes and counterterrorism operations globally. The attacks also prompted the implementation of extensive security measures domestically, particularly in aviation and intelligence, and fostered a more interventionist stance in the Middle East, impacting international relations for decades.