H@H: US Foreign Policy in the 21st Century: Countering Violent Extremism in the Middle East
Virtual
Throughout the 21st century, U.S. foreign policy has been heavily focused on countering terrorism, particularly in the Middle East following the 9/11 attacks. While recent headlines may highlight Hamas over ISIS, counterterrorism remains a persistent theme in U.S. foreign policy discussions. Over time, U.S. strategy has shifted from large-scale military intervention to a lighter military footprint, foreign aid, and reliance on local partners. This presentation examines the tools and policies used by the U.S. to address extremism in the Middle East, emphasizing the interplay between counterterrorism and the safeguarding of human rights. By examining contemporary conflicts, such as Syria’s civil war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, we explore the complexities and ethical considerations that shape the U.S. approach to countering violent extremism. Evaluating successes and failures, we consider what strategies the U.S. should pursue moving forward.
Dr. Negrón-Gonzales teaches courses on global affairs, development, and conflict studies at the University of New Hampshire. She's the founding director of the Global Conflict and Human Security master's program at UNH's Carsey School of Public Policy.
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