UPSC Notes

War on Terror

PYQs

4

Articles

2

Momentum

18

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Essential for understanding post-Cold War international relations, US foreign policy shifts, the rise of non-state actors, and their impact on global security and human rights.

The 'War on Terror' refers to the global military, political, and ideological campaign launched by the United States and its allies after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, primarily aimed at combating international terrorism, particularly al-Qaeda and later ISIS. It marked a significant shift in global security paradigms and international relations.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Initiation

Launched by President George W. Bush in response to the 9/11 attacks.

Key Interventions

Led to major military interventions in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom).

Global Impact

Expanded global counter-terrorism efforts, intelligence sharing, and surveillance programs worldwide.

Consequences

Contributed to prolonged instability, humanitarian crises, and the rise of new extremist groups in regions like the Middle East and South Asia.

Origin

Launched by the US after the 9/11 attacks.

Primary Targets

Initially Al-Qaeda, later expanded to other extremist groups like ISIS.

Key Operations

Included invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Impact

Reshaped global security, counter-terrorism strategies, and international law.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
United States Department of DefenseImplements
United Nations Security CouncilLegitimizes
United StatesInitiator
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Launched post-9/11 by US against global terrorism.
  • Key interventions: Afghanistan (2001), Iraq (2003).
  • Shifted global security focus to counter-terrorism.
  • Criticized for human rights abuses and destabilizing regions.
  • Led to rise of new extremist groups and prolonged conflicts.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

International Relations

25 years on, America’s response to 9/11 is its biggest self-inflicted hurt

11 Sep 2026 · Global campaign by US post-9/11 against terrorism, leading to interventions in Afghanistan/Iraq, reshaping international security and generating long-term geopolitical instability.

Read article

‘That’s why we fight’: Trump links 9/11 to Iran conflict

12 Sep 2026 · Global campaign post-9/11, targeting extremist groups, led to interventions in Afghanistan/Iraq, redefined international security.

Read article

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 4 linked questions on War on Terror in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on War on Terror

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Editorial & Review Process

Every revision note and practice question on UPSC Practice is researched using authoritative primary sources and reviewed for factual accuracy, syllabus relevance, and exam value. Read our Editorial Policy.

Verified Quality