COMMENT | More than two decades after the September 11 attacks, the world continues to reflect on the profound impact that day had on global security, foreign policy, and national resilience.

In the United States, the annual memorial traditions have shifted to include a new generation of children and grandchildren of those who perished.

But the relevance of 9/11 isn’t confined to memory or geography. It serves as a potent reminder that terrorism is not static; its forms, motivations, and methods constantly evolve.

For Malaysia, which has experienced its own brush with violent extremism, the lessons of 9/11 remain highly instructive.

The changing nature of terrorism demands more than reactive countermeasures, as it requires proactive and adaptive strategies to protect national sovereignty.