Afghanistan Through the Lens of Neo-Classical Realism

Abstract

This study aims to explore Afghanistan through the lens of Neo-Classical Realism. In order to encapsulate the proper foreign policy accumulation there are various theories that suggests and depicts foreign policy behaviors of several states. A theory not only defines politics of emotions but it also predicts the behavior of a state in a certain particular time. In international relations there are several theories that are used as a lens in order to understand the behavior of a state, the foreign policy of a state and to predict the future behavior according to which international arena would behave. There are two major strands in international relations that are used for analysis, and they provide a different and opposing view whenever a state behavior is concerned. These two strands are realism and liberalism. Realism in a theory that explains the behavior of a state in international politics. It states that in international system there is a lack of a centralized political authority due to which the state interactions are not viewed in a particular manner. It also emphasizes that there is an anarchy prevailing international system which can be regulated and can be maneuvered to bring out some favorable results by a sovereign power. The theory emphasizes the role of a state in international system and the way national interests and power grabbing of each state paves a new way towards international. The philosophical ideas that are in the theory have a very long history but in international relations the theory emerged after World War Two. The followers of this theory claim that they offer the most accurate behavior of a state and the explanation that they provide is more accurate to understand the policy perception and prescription for various elements that destabilized the international affairs.