“While there is still tremendous support for the U.S. [war against terrorism], countries aren’t just going to be cheerleaders while we do whatever we want.”

—James B. Steinberg, director of the Foreign Policy Studies Program at the Brookings Institution

In the days following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America, countries from around the world denounced the attacks. Traditional foes such as Russia publicly expressed sympathy while long-standing allies such as Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and France pledged their support in finding and prosecuting those responsible. This global outpouring of sympathy gave U.S. officials reason to hope that they could count on the international community to help fight terrorism. However, as the United States began to execute its war on terrorism in the months following September 11, international support began to diminish. Although President George W. Bush seemed determined to continue the war...