US-Afghanistan

How did U.S. intervention affect Afghan sovereignty?

It undermined sovereignty, as U.S. and NATO forces dictated security and governance.

Which theories explain the U.S. role in Afghanistan?

U.S. pursued national security and containment of terrorism as self-interest.

NATO presence seen as collective security and democracy-building under UN mandate.

What key concept is contested in this context?

Legitimacy: of external involvement versus Afghan sovereignty.

How were human rights affected by the war?

Women’s rights, education, and healthcare expanded, but drone strikes and civilian casualties undermined credibility.

Which theory helps explain U.S. rhetoric on rights?

Constructivism – global human rights norms shaped U.S. discourse, though practice diverged.

What event revealed the fragility of these reforms?

The Taliban’s return in 2021 reversed many rights gains, showing reforms lacked local legitimacy.

What was the relationship between development and security?

They were interdependent; insecurity blocked sustainable development, while underdevelopment fueled instability.

Which theories can be applied?

• Dependency theory: Afghanistan became reliant on Western aid and military support.

• Modernization theory: U.S. tried imposing Western democratic/economic models unsuited to Afghan realities.

Why did state-building efforts fail?

Corruption, weak institutions, and reliance on external aid prevented sustainable development.

What did the Taliban’s resurgence reveal?

The limits of U.S. hard power in creating peace.

What happened after U.S. withdrawal in 2021?

The Taliban rapidly took over, questioning the effectiveness of 20 years of intervention.

Which peace theories are relevant?

• Just War Theory: Was intervention justified after 9/11, and did that justification last? Over time, objectives shifted and expanded, complicating justifications. The war's length, civilian casualties, and unstable outcomes raise concerns about whether the war continuously met Just War conditions.

• Positive Peace (Galtung): True peace requires justice, equity, and functioning governance—none achieved sustainably.