Afghanistan – Realist Review

State-Sponsored Terrorism Is Back

February 21, 2023 by Realist Review Staff, posted in America, Middle East

Simeone Miller // As the United States faces strategic competition, it must be prepared to respond to the likely increase of state-sponsored terrorism in the coming years. In doing so, it must be cognizant of the blowback of responding to these threats with either unconventional or conventional military force as it has with Salafi-Jihadist terrorists. In lieu, it should be restrained and develop alternative means to engage in the return of state-sponsored terrorism through diplomacy, law enforcement, and intelligence cooperation.

Over the Horizon: How to Improve the U.S. Counter-Terrorism Strategy

August 26, 2022September 28, 2022 by Realist Review Staff, posted in Middle East

By Simeone Miller // When the majority of Americans want fewer American troops engaged in direct combat and a tougher focus on China over counter-terrorism, U.S. decision-makers should not be so hesitant to try something new and give over the horizon a chance.

Party Like It’s 1979: Comparing Ukraine and the Last Soviet Invasion

March 17, 2022September 21, 2022 by Realist Review Staff, posted in Ukraine

By Brad Settelmeyer & Alison O'Neil // Ukraine’s current conflict is heading the same way as the Afghan war: away from the hallmarks of a “conventional” conflict and towards a protracted insurgency promising high costs for both sides.

Time to Reconsider the US-Pakistan Relationship

November 3, 2021September 22, 2022 by Realist Review Staff, posted in Asia

By Rishab Chatty // Keeping Islamabad's unacceptable behavior in mind, it makes little sense to continue providing Pakistan with the support America has in the past. Instead, Washington should prioritize forming stronger partnerships with countries such as India, which would make a great ally as a result of shared interests against China.

Afghanistan: Balancing Responsibility with Restraint

November 3, 2021September 22, 2022 by Realist Review Staff, posted in Asia

By Kateryna Halstead / When it comes to forging “grassroots” alliances, the kind which were predominant and key to tactical gains in Afghanistan, the United States cannot be relied upon to protect the people on the ground.

Emirates and Empires: The Taliban, ISIS-K, and China in the New Afghanistan

October 28, 2021September 22, 2022 by Realist Review Staff, posted in Asia, Middle East

By Brad Settelmeyer & Alison O'Neil // ISIS-K presents a unique challenge to the Taliban, many of whom have experience as fighters but few of whom are experts in governance. ISIS-K seeks to dissolve nation-state borders and establish an Islamic caliphate with Afghanistan at its heart.

Missing in Action: Congress in Foreign Policy

September 14, 2021September 22, 2022 by Realist Review Staff, posted in Grand Strategy

By Ben Mainardi // It is just as important to recognize that Congress, spanning two decades of elected officials, has been just as integral to perpetuating national security blunders in the twenty-first century as the executive officials more directly presiding over them.

The Age of Nation Building is Over: American Grand Strategy After Afghanistan

September 13, 2021September 22, 2022 by Realist Review Staff, posted in Grand Strategy

By Daniel Baxter // The tragic end of America’s 20 year building project in Afghanistan and subsequent Taliban takeover of the country should mark an important turning point in American grand strategy.

An Surprising Source of Foreign Policy Wisdom: St. Benedict

September 10, 2021September 22, 2022 by Realist Review Staff, posted in Grand Strategy

By Liam Miller // America succeeded not because of its hard power and military capabilities but rather through soft power and moral leadership actions. There must be a return to this style of leadership.

Afghan National Army? Neither National Nor an Army

August 27, 2021September 22, 2022 by Realist Review Staff, posted in Asia

By Brad Settelmeyer & Alison O'Neil // The countless years of conflict and numerous casualties Afghan soldiers endured could’ve been a tell-tale sign of what outcome would unfold after U.S. forces inevitably retreated from the region. Given the circumstances in which Afghan forces had to fight, perhaps it is no surprise that soldiers would rather live to die another day than fight a reinvigorated Taliban force.