Two decades after 9/11, a more interconnected world emerges

Friday 12 September 2025 - 17:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Two decades after 9/11, a more interconnected world emerges

The 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks serves as a moment to reflect on how the world has transformed since that fateful day. While the events of 9/11 left profound scars, global trends in demographics, technology, and international cooperation have reshaped the global landscape in ways that highlight both interdependence and resilience.

A world in transformation

In 2001, alongside the tragic attacks on the United States, other historic events marked the year. The African Union's operational framework was adopted in Lusaka, advancing regional collaboration. November saw the signing of the Budapest Convention, the world’s first treaty addressing cybercrime. That same year, China joined the World Trade Organization, and today, its economy, now valued at $19.2 trillion, is 13 times larger than in 2001.

At home in the U.S., seismic shifts in energy production unfolded. In September 2001, the U.S. imported nine million barrels of oil per day. Today, it exports over 3.5 million barrels daily, cementing its role as a global energy leader. In parallel, the U.S. Muslim population grew from less than three million in 2001 to over 4.5 million in 2025, with increased political representation and a stronger role in public life. Communities, such as those in Minneapolis and Dearborn, have become vibrant hubs of cultural and religious diversity, hosting inclusive events like Ramadan iftars.

Global migration and interconnectedness

The last 24 years have seen extraordinary global mobility. In 2024, a record 304 million people, 3.7% of the world’s population, lived outside their country of birth. Migration has transformed nations, contributing to economic growth and cultural diversity. For example, the U.S. foreign-born population has risen to 15%, the highest level since the late 19th century.

Europe has also grappled with migration challenges. In 2015, German Chancellor Angela Merkel opened the country’s borders to over one million refugees, largely from conflict zones like Syria. While this decision initially drew praise, public sentiment shifted by 2017, contributing to political challenges for Merkel’s party. Today, Europe balances demographic decline and labor shortages with the need for coordinated immigration strategies.

Morocco has played a significant role in fostering tolerance and education. In 2015, His Majesty King Mohammed VI inaugurated the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams and Morchidines, which has trained thousands of Islamic scholars from Africa and Europe in promoting peace and moderation.

Post-COVID realities

The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity to this interconnected world. The collapse of international travel in 2020 led to $1.3 trillion in lost revenues, highlighting the fragility of global economic systems. Yet, the pandemic also underscored the importance of global supply chains. India, for instance, now exports 20% of the world’s generic drugs, while foreign-trained doctors make up a significant share of medical professionals in the U.S. and UK.

Lessons from interconnectedness

The post-9/11 era has demonstrated the need for collaboration to address global challenges, from climate change to public health and migration. As threats to national and planetary well-being grow, solutions require a mix of science, policy, and cultural understanding. As an Arab proverb wisely notes, “Winds don’t blow as the ships wish.”