Skip to main content
Article
The Political Future of Afghanistan and Its Implications for US Policy
Conflict Management and Peace Science (2003)
  • Birol A. Yeşilada, Portland State University
  • Jacek Kugler, Claremont Graduate University
  • Brian Efird, Claremont Graduate University
Abstract

This paper provides a forecast of the likely consequences of ongoing US military activity in Afghanistan, and assesses the implications of a change in the current US policy toward that nation. We use a game theoretic, bounded rationality model, called the Expected Utility model, to analyze the stability of the political and economic systems in Afghanistan, given both the domestic and international context. We undertook two analyses, one in December 2001 and a second in June 2002. Thus far all forecasts appear to be in line with our observations on the current sequence of events. Furthermore, we found that a continued, robust US military presence in Afghanistan is necessary to assure political and economic stability. Without continued, substantial US support for the current regime, it is likely that an Islamic dictatorship, with the potential to support terrorist activities, will replace the current semi-democratic system.

Keywords
  • United States -- Foreign relations -- Afghanistan,
  • Afghanistan -- Foreign relations -- United States,
  • Afhganistan -- Politics and government -- 21st century,
  • United States -- Military relations -- Afghanistan
Publication Date
February, 2003
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2014 by Peace Science Society (International) doi: 10.1177/073889420302000103
Citation Information
Birol A. Yeşilada, Jacek Kugler and Brian Efird. "The Political Future of Afghanistan and Its Implications for US Policy" Conflict Management and Peace Science Vol. 20 Iss. 1 (2003)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/birol_yesilada/21/