Niall Ferguson: 9/11 Did Not Doom the American Empire

September 10, 2026

Written by: Niall Ferguson

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, WWSG speaker and renowned historian Niall Ferguson revisits a prediction he made in their aftermath: that the United States was entering a period of imperial decline. Writing in The Free Press, Ferguson acknowledges that his forecast has not unfolded as he anticipated. Instead, he examines America’s position in 2026 against the challenges facing its major geopolitical rivals and considers whether the United States should truly be understood as an empire.

Ferguson traces the debate over American power from the George W. Bush era to the present, exploring how military intervention, foreign policy, and the country’s role in the international order have shaped perceptions of American influence. Against the backdrop of current tensions involving Iran, China, and other global powers, he uses the 25th anniversary of 9/11 to consider what has—and has not—changed about America’s position in the world.

A globally recognized historian and geopolitical commentator, Niall Ferguson brings historical context to today’s most consequential economic, political, and international challenges. His ability to connect lessons from the past with rapidly evolving global events gives audiences a deeper framework for understanding the forces shaping the future. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson, contact WWSG.

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