September 11 legacy: Evolving terrorism and security shifts

The legacy of the September 11 attacks continues to shape global security, though the nature of terrorism has evolved significantly due to technological advancements. While the 2001 attacks revealed vulnerabilities in aviation security and caused massive economic disruption—including billions in losses for airlines—modern threats are increasingly defined by the accessibility of dual-use technologies.

Security expert Kerry Chávez notes that the proliferation of drones and artificial intelligence has shifted the balance of power toward non-state actors. Unlike the era of 9/11, where military-grade technology was difficult to acquire, modern actors can now utilize consumer-grade drones for chemical attacks or AI-driven hacking to target critical infrastructure. This asymmetry between attackers and defenders presents a new frontier in international security and warfare.