Glopo Afghanistan

Power (Hard) in Afghanistan

The Taliban used military force to seize power in 2021 after the U.S. withdrawal

Power (Soft) in Afghanistan

The Taliban engages in diplomacy by sending ambassadors to countries like China and UAE

Sovereignty in Afghanistan

The Taliban has de facto sovereignty (territorial control)

Interdependence in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is largely isolated; limited economic and humanitarian interdependence exists through NGOs like Doctors Without Borders.

Legitimacy (Domestic) in Afghanistan

The Taliban lacks popular legitimacy due to oppressive policies

Legitimacy (International) in Afghanistan

No country officially recognizes the Taliban government

Example of State Contesting Taliban Rule

The National Resistance Front (NRF) claims to represent the Islamic Republic and seeks international support for an inclusive government.

Impact of Taliban on Women's Rights

Women and girls face severe restrictions—banned from education

Impact on Health Sector

Female healthcare workers banned

Hobbes’ Theory & the Taliban

Hobbes believed humans are inherently power-hungry; in Taliban rule

How Power Affects Legitimacy

Without consent of the governed and global recognition

International Response to Taliban

Countries impose sanctions and deny recognition to pressure Taliban to respect human rights.

Frozen Assets in Afghanistan

Over $7 billion in Afghan reserves are frozen by the Federal Bank of New York due to lack of recognized leadership.