What was the goal of the War on Terror initiated under President George W. Bush?

The goal of the War on Terror, initiated under President George W. Bush, was to fight global terrorism in all its forms. This initiative was launched in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which highlighted the increasing threat posed by extremist groups. The focus was on combating organizations like al-Qaeda and other terrorist networks that were seen as direct threats to U.S. national security and global stability.

The strategy involved a broad range of military, diplomatic, and intelligence efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist organizations and preventing future attacks. This included not only military interventions in countries like Afghanistan but also international cooperation with other nations to counter terrorism. The emphasis was on a proactive approach to identify and neutralize threats before they could harm the United States or its allies.

While promoting democracy globally or strengthening the U.S. economy could be seen as ancillary benefits, the primary and explicit aim was to combat and eradicate terrorism. Enhancing international trade relations did not align directly with the core mission of the War on Terror, which was focused squarely on security and counter-terrorism efforts rather than economic policies.