Date of Award
Winter 2011
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
Political Science
Degree Name
Master of Arts
First Advisor
Alynna J Lyon
Abstract
It has been over a decade since the United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom. Today, Afghanistan and the Taliban are at the forefront of US foreign policy. This thesis aims to define the Taliban movement in Afghanistan, from past to present, and asks why they still exist as a political movement after a decade of war and counterinsurgency efforts. It discusses the rise of both the Taliban and the neo-Taliban and observes their differences and similarities. Subsequently, using Cornelia Beyer's "Synthetic Approach," the Taliban insurgency and US-led counterinsurgency efforts are analyzed. The Synthetic Approach allows the opportunity to look at the Afghan insurgency using multiple variables from an international perspective. The Taliban's tactics, edicts, and geopolitical space are dynamic and constantly shifting. This thesis employs an equally dynamic theoretical framework with which to trace the Taliban and explain their resilient nature.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Andrew R., "Belling the cat: The neo-Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan" (2011). Master's Theses and Capstones. 158.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/158