9/11 and the export of Western values

The shocking events of 9/11 took place 20 years ago this week, and this is the first of a number of BBC Radio Wales programmes marking the anniversary.

One of the responses to the ideology espoused by the 9/11 terrorists has been an attempt to export Western values, particularly those of democracy and human rights. But that’s just the latest episode in a long historical process: whether through the Cold War of the 20th century, or through the missionary activity of colonial nations in the 19th century and earlier, there’s been a belief that Western Judeo-Christian values and systems offer something uniquely important to the world – indeed that it’s a responsibility to share them.

So what do today’s peacekeepers and aid workers have in common with historical colonialists and missionaries? What’s been learned from past mistakes? And since the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, and President Biden’s declaration of an end to American nation-building, what’s left for the idea of Western values?

Roy Jenkins talks to

Colonel Richard Kemp: former commander of UK forces in Afghan

Dr John Wilsey: Associate Professor of Church History and Philosophy, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Prof Andrew May: Head of the History Program at the University of Melbourne

Dr Elaine Storkey: former chair of Tear Fund