The LRB Podcast Aftershock: The War on Terror – Episode 1: With Us or Against Us
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Nov 21, 2025 Mary-Kay Wilmers, editor of the London Review of Books, discusses the publication's bold response to the aftermath of 9/11. She reflects on the limitations imposed on public discourse and the media's role in shaping narratives around terrorism. Wilmers details the commissioning of diverse perspectives in their roundtable, which sought to challenge prevailing consensus. The conversation also delves into the backlash faced from readers for confronting uncomfortable truths and highlights the ongoing impact of the 'War on Terror' on global politics.
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Watching The Attacks Live In The Office
- Daniel Soar recounts how the LRB office watched the attacks unfold on TV in a 'quiet room' and felt dumbfounded by the repetition of images.
- The staff's stunned reaction set the scene for commissioning a rapid roundtable of reflections from contributors around the world.
Media Consensus Narrowed Public Debate
- The immediate media consensus narrowed public discourse, limiting what was acceptable to say or question after 9/11.
- That narrowing reinforced a patriotic script urging normal life continuity and stifled dissenting reflection.
AUMF Gave Limitless War Powers
- Within days the US granted the president limitless authority via the AUMF, with no temporal or geographic limits.
- The near-unanimous congressional vote removed typical checks and enabled prolonged, global military action.