US Policy Towards Afghanistan, 1979-2014: 'A Force for Good'

This book examines how the United States constructed its interests in Afghanistan and justified its policies,such as covert operations,diplomacy,counterterrorism,and war,as essential in ensuring that 'good prevailed over 'evil'. It uses a constructivist approach to contribute to international relations and US foreign policy scholarship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Providing a comprehensive study of US policy towards Afghanistan from the Soviet intervention of 1979 to the exit of US/International Security Assistance Forces combat troops at the end of 2014, this book delves into the intricate web of how the United States has constructed its interests over the long term, shaping its enduring engagement with the country. Recognizing the central focus on the United States' representation and justification of its Afghan policy, this work showcases how the interplay of language and social practices has provided policymakers with a shared understanding on selling policy. In this way, Washington has sought to justify its practices, including covert operations, diplomacy, counterterrorism, and war, as essential in ensuring that "good prevailed over "evil." Teitler's argument stands in contrast to the prevailing literature, which predominantly argues that the United States has been driven by self-interest in its dealings with Afghanistan. By employing a constructivist approach, the work aims to contribute more broadly to international relations and US foreign policy scholarship. This book will appeal to academics and students across a range of disciplines, including US foreign and security policy, international relations theory, the Greater Middle East, Afghanistan, American exceptionalism, constructivism, and discourse analysis.

Weight: 435g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367502263