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Bhabani Sen Gupta

The Afghan Syndrome: How to Live with Soviet Power

The Afghan Syndrome: How to Live with Soviet Power

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  • More about The Afghan Syndrome: How to Live with Soviet Power

The Afghan Syndrome (1982) examines the 1979 Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan and its effects on America, China, India, Pakistan, and other Islamic nations, arguing that it led to the rise of other centers of economic, political, and military power outside the superpower spheres.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Afghan Syndrome (1982) is a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the 1979 Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan, exploring its profound effects on various nations, including America, China, India, Pakistan, and other Islamic countries. The film delves into the intricate web of consequences that this intervention has had on these nations, examining the emergence of new centers of economic, political, and military power that have emerged outside the traditional spheres of influence held by superpowers.

The Afghan Syndrome begins by providing a historical backdrop of the events leading up to the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. It explains the political and social dynamics in the country, including the rise of the Taliban regime and its strict interpretation of Islamic law. The film then examines the military implications of the Soviet intervention, highlighting the massive deployment of troops and the heavy toll it took on both the Soviet and Afghan forces.

One of the central themes of The Afghan Syndrome is the impact of the intervention on the regional balance of power. The film argues that the Soviet invasion disrupted the existing power dynamics in the region, creating a power vacuum that was quickly filled by other actors, including the United States and Pakistan. The intervention also led to the emergence of new regional alliances and rivalries, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

The Afghan Syndrome also explores the effects of the intervention on Afghanistan itself. The film depicts the devastating human cost of the war, including the displacement of millions of people, the destruction of infrastructure, and the widespread suffering of the Afghan people. It highlights the role of the United States and other Western countries in supporting the anti-Taliban resistance movement, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Taliban regime.

In addition to its analysis of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, The Afghan Syndrome also examines its broader implications for the world. The film argues that the intervention set a precedent for future military interventions by superpowers, leading to a proliferation of proxy wars and conflicts in various parts of the world. It also raises concerns about the ethical and humanitarian implications of military intervention, particularly when it is aimed at promoting Western interests.

The Afghan Syndrome is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a comprehensive analysis of the 1979 Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan and its far-reaching effects on various nations. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of international relations and the consequences of military intervention.

The Afghan Syndrome (1982) is a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the 1979 Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan, exploring its profound effects on various nations, including America, China, India, Pakistan, and other Islamic countries. The film delves into the intricate web of consequences that this intervention has had on these nations, examining the emergence of new centers of economic, political, and military power that have emerged outside the traditional spheres of influence held by superpowers.


The Afghan Syndrome begins by providing a historical backdrop of the events leading up to the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. It explains the political and social dynamics in the country, including the rise of the Taliban regime and its strict interpretation of Islamic law. The film then examines the military implications of the Soviet intervention, highlighting the massive deployment of troops and the heavy toll it took on both the Soviet and Afghan forces.


One of the central themes of The Afghan Syndrome is the impact of the intervention on the regional balance of power. The film argues that the Soviet invasion disrupted the existing power dynamics in the region, creating a power vacuum that was quickly filled by other actors, including the United States and Pakistan. The intervention also led to the emergence of new regional alliances and rivalries, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.


The Afghan Syndrome also explores the effects of the intervention on Afghanistan itself. The film depicts the devastating human cost of the war, including the displacement of millions of people, the destruction of infrastructure, and the widespread suffering of the Afghan people. It highlights the role of the United States and other Western countries in supporting the anti-Taliban resistance movement, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Taliban regime.


In addition to its analysis of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, The Afghan Syndrome also examines its broader implications for the world. The film argues that the intervention set a precedent for future military interventions by superpowers, leading to a proliferation of proxy wars and conflicts in various parts of the world. It also raises concerns about the ethical and humanitarian implications of military intervention, particularly when it is aimed at promoting Western interests.


The Afghan Syndrome is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a comprehensive analysis of the 1979 Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan and its far-reaching effects on various nations. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of international relations and the consequences of military intervention.

Weight: 730g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032374659

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