Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2023

Keywords

United States, Afghanistan, South Asia, India, Pakistan, Foreign Policy, International Relations

Abstract

This study will offer a critical analysis of U.S. foreign policy in South Asia specifically centered around America’s invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and its aftereffects. The 2001 Invasion of Afghanistan was a pivotal moment not only in the geopolitical landscape of the nation of Afghanistan but also in shaping the outline of American foreign policy in the broader South Asia region. This study embarks on a critical examination of the multifaceted repercussions stemming from the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan, analyzing its profound impact on the destabilization of Afghanistan itself and its intricate ramifications on the broader South Asian geopolitical dynamics. Additionally, this study delves into how the invasion inadvertently contributed to the erosion of America's reliability and credibility as a beacon of democracy and stability in international relations. By analyzing the impacts of this pivotal invasion, this study reveals the interconnectedness between the aftermath of the invasion of Afghanistan and wider failed U.S. South Asia policy, arguing that both phenomena are ultimately tied to challenges that have strained America's diplomatic standing in the region. The results of this analysis suggest that the U.S. can form more consistent foreign policy in South Asia through genuine strengthening of multilateral relations, leveraging the beneficial aspects of international institutions, and fostering meaningful economic development goals tailored to the needs of the individual nations.

Comments

Submitted as a final research project for Dr. Ali Riaz's POL 345 (Topics in Asian Politics) course, December 2023.

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