Beyond Bullets

Four years after the tragic 9/11 terrorist attacks, the economic dimension in the fight against terrorism has received little attention in comparison to the ongoing focus of policy makers and the public on military responses and democracy promotion as a bulwark against continuing threats. Nevertheless, economic strategies and tools are critical as we work to help nations gird themselves against terrorist groups that seek a foothold in their societies or followers among their citizens.

On September 21st the New America Foundation, in partnership with AmericanRespect.com, hosted a policy conference to explore economic development and trade-related initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen vulnerable and developing societies against the infiltration of terrorist organizations and their recruitment efforts. Through an interactive dialogue with distinguished speakers and panelists, the conference stimulated new thinking on international economic and development policies and their contributions to the fight against global terrorism.

Conference participants included renowned development expert Hernando de Soto, CNN terrorism authority Peter Bergen, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, former Ambassador and USAID Deputy Administrator Hattie Babbitt, international economist David Hale, noted historian Jay Winik and others.

Participants