The levels of analysis are a common system used by many political theorists to examine and explain international events. The events of September 11, 2001 have created many political theories and conversations. It is an international event, which can be analyzed in many different ways. The occurrences of September 11th seemed to have begun in the early hours of the day and ended before lunchtime. However this is not the case. The events, which make up September 11th, are much more involved than simply the stealing of jetliners. .
One good way to explain, examine and theorize the events of September 11, 2001 is to use the three levels of analysis. This has been a system set up by political scientist and proves to be a great tool in understanding the world issues. The definition as stated in Kegley and Whittkopf is "the different aspects of and agents in international affairs that may be stressed in interpreting world politics and explaining global phenomena, depending on whether the analyst chooses to focus on wholes or on parts" (13).
On the individual level it would be best to discuss the terrorist who hijacked jetliners as well as Osama bin Ladin. There were 19 men who hijacked the jetliners with the support of leader as well as major financial supporter, Osama. They trained and planned much in advance for many months. "While we do not know who the September 11 terrorists are, we can deduce that they are very clever, have superior organizational ability, are manifestly ruthless, and are willing to take a long-term approach to planning and carrying out their attacks" (Zilinskas 64). They had insurmountable hatreds of the United States and its people's beliefs and symbols. It is known to be a religious obligation to oppose the United States and it's intrusions in the Middle East. They had a mission to destroy and harm the United States in hopes to make a better Muslim world.