Meaning: The quote "The tragedy of 9/11 galvanised the American superpower into action, leaving us in Europe divided in its wake" by Douglas Hurd, a British politician, reflects on the profound impact of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and its repercussions on Europe. In the aftermath of the attacks, the United States responded with a series of military and diplomatic actions that had significant implications for global politics, particularly in the context of transatlantic relations between the US and Europe.

The phrase "galvanised the American superpower into action" refers to how the events of 9/11 prompted the United States to take decisive and assertive measures in response to the attacks. The coordinated terrorist strikes on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. resulted in a profound shock to the American public and leadership, leading to a swift and forceful response aimed at combating terrorism and enhancing national security.

The aftermath of 9/11 saw the United States engage in a global campaign against terrorism, including the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and the subsequent Iraq War in 2003. These actions, driven by the doctrine of pre-emptive military intervention, marked a significant shift in American foreign policy and had far-reaching implications for international relations.

The second part of the quote, "leaving us in Europe divided in its wake," alludes to the impact of the US response to 9/11 on the European continent. The events of 9/11 and the subsequent actions taken by the United States sparked debates and divisions within European countries regarding their support for or opposition to American military interventions and the broader war on terror.

In the wake of 9/11, European nations found themselves grappling with questions of security, sovereignty, and the appropriate response to the global terrorist threat. Divisions emerged between those European countries that aligned themselves closely with the US-led actions, such as the United Kingdom, and those that were more skeptical or critical of American military interventions, including Germany and France.

The quote by Douglas Hurd encapsulates the idea that the aftermath of 9/11 created a rift in transatlantic relations, as the United States pursued a proactive and at times unilateral approach to addressing security threats, which had differing degrees of support and opposition among European nations.

In conclusion, Douglas Hurd's quote highlights the profound impact of the 9/11 attacks on the United States and the subsequent divisions and debates that emerged within Europe in response to the American superpower's actions. The events of 9/11 and their aftermath continue to shape global geopolitics and transatlantic relations, underscoring the enduring significance of this tragic and transformative moment in contemporary history.