9/11 cast a long shadow over the United States. The events of 2020 have finally brought the 9/11 era to a close. The 9/11 era is an era ultimately defined by defeat. America didn’t win its wars; it withdrew and is still with- drawing from them. America is now struggling with what comes next. Donald Trump’s election was a reaction to the failings of the 9/11 era. But while Joe Biden’s election looks like an act of restoration, his new administration will not be able to simply revert back to past practices. Because that era has ended.