Lesson 1 - The Pre-9/11 Strategic Setting

Now that you understand the course and lesson framework, it’s time to begin our journey. As we proceed, you’ll see the crawl, walk, run approach begin to surface. We’ll first become familiar with the overall strategic setting on the eve of 9/11. Like any theatrical drama, this story begins with the setting. In our discussions, we'll consider the key actors, factors, situation and attitudes that comprise that setting. Understanding the strategic, operational and tactical settings is key to understanding how this holistic concept has matured and continues to mature.

Lesson Objective: Articulate the overall strategic setting (key actors, factors, situation and general attitudes) comprising the overall US strategic setting (international and domestic) on the eve of 9/11.