Regional Implications of US Withdrawal from Afghanistan

Abstract

The US presence in Afghanistan that lasted for nearly two decades, has left behind a chaotic and challenging legacy that threatens the social, political and economic fabric of the entire region. The sudden fall of US backed Afghan government and the subsequent return of Taliban to power has greatly complicated the regional dynamics. Short and long-term implications of the ongoing developments in Afghanistan are both diverse and far-reaching and warrant immediate attention. The primary objectives of this study are to analyze the impact of withdrawal of US forces on the overall security landscape of the region, the resurgence of terrorist activities, and the standout implications for all regional stakeholders. The paper utilizes the rational choice model to explain the US choice for exit and the subsequent implications for the region that were not part of the initial rational calculus.