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The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) is a campaign to defend against and prevent acts of terrorism worldwide. The term originated from the “war on terror” language and includes combat and non-combat initiatives. Despite criticism, there has been support from allies worldwide.
The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) is also often referred to as the Global War on Terror, or simply the War on Terror. Five years into the war, which began in 2001 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks that killed thousands of civilians in the United States, more nuance has been introduced to create slogans such as “a global fight against violent extremism” . Many different terms and phrases describe the conflict, but whichever title is preferred, the GWOT is seen as an unprecedented campaign to defend itself and prevent acts of terrorism around the world.
The term GWOT may have originated from the simple “war on terror” language used to describe past conflicts, but its use has been discussed in great detail by US government and military leaders. Since the phrase Global War on Terror apparently translates well into many other languages, it was considered the best option. George W. Bush, president of the United States at the time of the 9/11 attacks and the beginning of the GWOT, made it clear that the fight against terrorism would have a global reach. Furthermore, he vowed that the effort would not only work to incapacitate the terrorists and their networks, but would also harshly take on the nation states that have supported or harbored the terrorists.
The change in terminology has been adjusted to include more of them in the GWOT framework. The original language did not seem like an appropriate description of the various operations, as they are much more than military maneuvers or battles. The GWOT includes both combat and non-combat initiatives, such as intelligence gathering, effective law enforcement, countering narcotics trafficking, efforts to freeze terrorist financing, economic sanctions, disabling known terrorist cells and training camps, and fighting insurgency. It also involves training military and police forces, reconstruction efforts, strengthening infrastructure and support for new governments, protecting human rights, and providing humanitarian aid.
President George W. Bush said in a September 20, 2001 speech that the GWOT would not allow terrorism to destroy the rights and freedoms of individuals or to destroy democratic governments. He described GWOT as a “long campaign,” unlike anything the American people or the world have seen. The president said GWOT would start with Al Qaeda, the group believed to be responsible for 9/11 and other attacks, but it wouldn’t end there.
A statement, which fueled American resolve at the time, also received criticism from sources around the world. President Bush stated that GWOT would not end “until every terrorist group with a global reach has been found, stopped and defeated.” Many critics feared that this statement and other strong language would incite more violence and lead to a state of perpetual war. Amnesty International also believed that “ordinary citizens”, as well as protected human rights and civil liberties, would suffer the most from the GWOT.
Despite the fears of critics of the GWOT, there has been a surge of support following the 9/11 attacks, as well as support for the nation’s efforts to defend the United States along with friends and allies around the world from terrorists. Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom was quick to offer support. Many other nations have also shown support and formed a coalition of forces to fight the extremists. NATO responded immediately, reiterating its charter’s claims that an attack on any member nation is “an attack on all”.
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