The United States as Nation-Builders in Afghanistan: Success or (Neoconservative) Failure?

Abstract

The US invaded Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks and defeated the Taliban regime with the goal of bringing democracy to Afghanistan. However, many mistakes led to ineffective nation-building and a Taliban insurgency, drawing out the Afghanistan War for many years. Reasons include an ignorance of the country's history and social structure, as well as the neoconservative approach to nation-building that was pursued by the Bush administration during Bush's first presidency. Thus, not enough resources were invested into rebuilding Afghanistan and the result is not satisfactory, especially compared to more successful US efforts in nation-building.