2002 CE
In 2002, global politics were dominated by the post-9/11 security order. The U.S. intensified counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan and built the case against Iraq, reshaping alliances. Russia supported U.S. counterterrorism efforts while consolidating state power under Putin. China focused on economic expansion and securing WTO integration after its 2001 entry, increasing its global trade influence. India managed tensions with Pakistan following the 2001 Parliament attack, leading to a major military standoff.
War and security issues centered on insurgency in Afghanistan, rising concerns over Iraq’s weapons claims, and broader debates about pre-emptive action. Diplomatically, divisions grew within the UN Security Council over unilateral versus multilateral responses.
Trade and finance were marked by WTO disputes over agriculture, the aftershocks of the dot-com crash, and rapid growth in China’s export economy. Legal debates intensified over counterterrorism laws, detention, human rights, and the limits of state power during security crises.