In 3–5 sentences, evaluate how the international response to the Rwandan Genocide and the September 11, 2001, attacks differ. Provide 2–3 examples to compare and contrast the two events.(4 points)

Answer 1

The international response to the Rwandan Genocide and the September 11, 2001 attacks differed significantly in terms of immediacy, scale of intervention, and underlying motivations. Following the Rwandan Genocide, the international community was widely criticized for its slow and limited response, with many countries failing to intervene to stop the violence. In contrast, the response to the September 11 attacks was swift and extensive, with the United States leading a global coalition to combat terrorism.

One key difference is the level of intervention and military action taken in response to the events. After the Rwandan Genocide, there was a lack of coordinated military intervention to stop the violence and bring perpetrators to justice. However, in response to the September 11 attacks, the United States led military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq to combat terrorism and eliminate threats.

Additionally, the underlying motivations for the international response to these events were also different. The response to the Rwandan Genocide was largely influenced by realpolitik concerns and a lack of political will to intervene in a conflict with no strategic significance. On the other hand, the response to the September 11 attacks was driven by a sense of urgency and a commitment to upholding global security in the face of a new and complex threat.