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9/11 at 25: The power of international solidarity
9 September 2026
In a month of anniversaries, this week’s milestone of 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks is the most sombre. It is not a coincidence that the first (and only) invocation of the ANZUS Treaty happened around its 50th anniversary. Then Prime Minister John Howard was in the United States at the time to celebrate the anniversary. When the terror attacks happened, he was quick to respond.
USSC CEO Dr Michael Green was working for the US National Security Council at the time and recalled receiving the call from the White House Situation Room saying that the United Kingdom and Australia had invoked the NATO and ANZUS treaties to come to the United States’ defence. He said, “we always assumed these treaty commitments, even though they were mutual treaties, were for us to come to the defence of Western Europe or Japan or Australia or Korea. And so it was a historic moment, of course, but it was a powerful, powerful moving moment as well.” In an article for The Australian, he distils heroism, alliances and analytical precision as some of the most important lessons learned in 9/11 that have increased in importance over the 25 years since.
President Trump will be marking the occasion at the Pentagon. While it may seem odd for the sitting president with strong ties to New York City not to attend the memorial service at Ground Zero, he only attended that memorial twice, 2016 and 2024, when he was campaigning rather than a sitting president.
The terror attacks of 9/11 were a moment of distinct American vulnerability and US allies and partners rallied to respond. The War on Terror was a joint effort, which initially enjoyed broad domestic and international support, however that support waned as the war dragged on and the truth about the lack of weapons of mass destruction came to light. Two and a half decades later, President Trump’s war with Iran paints a picture of a different America and a different world. Starting the war first and asking allies later has not garnered much support, and this followed a year of President Trump regularly verbally attacking US allies (while praising adversaries). If 9/11 happened today, international reactions would likely look very different. American unity is a powerful thing, but it is deeply limited without international solidarity. This solemn anniversary is an opportunity for remembering stories not just of American heroes, but the power of international support, and the role of these relationships in the decades ahead.
Mari Koeck
Director of Engagement and Impact
Lead image: A cloud of smoke rises from the Pentagon following the September 11 attacks, with the White House and Washington Monument as viewed from executive offices of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC. (Photo by Robert Turtil via the Department of Veteran Affairs)
"‘Never Forget’ is not a slogan. It is a commitment that we must carry forward through action."
Recent content
COMMENTARYI evacuated the White House on 9/11. These are four lessons we can’t afford to forgetCEO Dr Michael Green shares his memories and reflections 25 years after 9/11 in this op-ed for The Australian. |
PODCASTUSSC Briefing Room | The changing calculus of US military sales and procurementFormer US Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Cara Abercrombie joined the USSC Briefing Room podcast to discuss the key challenges facing US military procurement and how President Trump is changing the status quo. |
In the news
The Australian | Take Xi Jinping at his word: communist true believer, admires Mao and Stalin
USSC CEO Dr Michael Green spoke with The Australian about Xi Jinping's recent sacking of two senior generals, citing disagreement over Taiwan as a possibility for their removal.
Reuters | Australia, US commit $580 million to support Pacific Island nations
USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein spoke with Reuters following last week's Pacific Islands Forum meeting and the announcement of a $580 million fund to support Pacific Island nations, saying, "Chinese measures in the region are a forcing function for the U.S. to understand to be more deliberate in their engagement."
Upcoming events
WEBINAR
Can the US and allies loosen China's chokehold on rare earths?
Almost all advanced technology today depends on critical minerals. Rare earths, in particular, are necessary for a range of applications, including powering electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, industrial motors, and defence systems. Yet the supply chain behind them is highly concentrated. China accounts for over 90% of the world’s rare earth refining and permanent magnet production, leaving the global economy exposed to a single point of failure.
What have allies done to de-risk their rare earth supply chains? Have efforts been successful? What more needs to be done? And what might a joined-up allied approach look like?
To answer these questions, please join us for a discussion with Dr Naoise McDonagh, MBA Director and Senior Lecturer in Geopolitics and International Business at the School of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University, and author of the upcoming report The Missing Market: Why US and allies’ rare earth derisking needs a demand-side strategy. Dr McDonagh is joined by Genna Lehman, USSC Non-Resident Fellow in Economic Security and Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner Scholar, and moderated by USSC Director of Economic Security, Hayley Channer.
DATE AND TIME
14 September 2026
6.00–7.30pm AEST
WHERE
Online (Zoom)
DETAILS
Free but registration is essential
PUBLIC EVENT
Tibet at the epicentre: Geopolitics, religion and climate security
With much of the world’s attention focused on global flashpoints, Tibet’s uncertain future is often sidelined in geopolitical conversations. Yet the Tibetan plateau holds major implications for the region’s balance of power, climate security, and human rights around the world.
To discuss this topic, please join us for a discussion with Tibet Policy Institute Senior Research Fellow Dr Tenzin Desal, UTS Associate Professor in China Studies Dr Feng Chongyi and La Trobe Asia Director Dr Ruth Gamble, in conversation with United States Studies Centre (USSC) CEO Dr Michael Green.
DATE AND TIME
14 September 2026
6.00–7.30pm AEST
WHERE
Level 5 Function Room, The Michael Spence Building (F23) at the Corner of Eastern Avenue and City Road, The University of Sydney
DETAILS
Free but registration is essential
CONFERENCE
SISF agenda announced
The agenda for the 2026 Sydney International Strategy Forum has now been announced. To explore the theme of "Alliances in an age of disorder," topics of discussion for the day include:
- America debates the world
- Are adversaries gaining the initiative?
- Are alliances and partnerships holding?
- Are we ready for the big shocks?
- DEBATE | The Alliance at 75: Does Australia need a plan B?
- Does Australia have the right strategic settings to lead in this new era?
View the full agenda and list of speakers on our website.
DATE AND TIME
23 September 2026
8.00am–5.00pm AEST
WHERE
Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney
DETAILS
Standard ticket: $899
Student ticket: $499
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