ABSTRACT
The War on Terror is a global effort by the United States to confront, capture, kill, and/or defeat individuals, organizations, and governments they deem to be involved in the use of political violence against American citizens and American interests. Initiated after the attacks against the World Trade Center and Pentagon in 2001, the concept has been used to develop and justify a wide range of foreign policy initiatives, including several wars and numerous covert actions. Some of its specific elements, such as targeted killings through drone attacks and the relaxation of due process procedures, remain highly controversial.
