Democracy in Afghanistan
Since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the U.S. has spent
billions of dollars at war in Afghanistan.
One policy goal: establish a stable regime
Some say this is best done through a democratic
government based on the structure of the U.S.
government (ethnocentrism).
Review of Democracy
Implementation in Afghanistan – pros/cons
Review of Democracy in America
Democracy = demos (people) + kratia
(power or rule) = rule by the people.
What are the main principles and
practices of democratic government?
◦ Destiny of a nation should be guided by the
will of the people, rather than by the wishes
of an individual (dictatorship).
◦ Usually, majority rules as decided in elections.
◦ Voting is a key component – all citizens have
an equal vote.
Review continued…
How is the U.S. democratic system of government
structured?
The U.S. system of government is a representative
democracy (citizens elect the people who make laws and set
policy).
◦ In comparison, a direct democracy is when people vote on laws
and proposals.
◦ The Constitution is the supreme rule of the land, spelling out
how the government works.
Bill of Rights – protect rights of Americans
◦ Elected positions (nationally) = president, senators, and
representatives. We also have state and local level officials.
Set terms for office – this way if a leader does something wrong, people
can vote the leader out of office before his or her term expires.
◦ Checks and balances – so no one person or group has too much
power.
◦ 3 branches = executive, legislative, judicial
Review continued.
How did democracy in the U.S. come about?
Founding Fathers established self-government after breaking away
from England.
Do you think a democratic government is
something that can be created by outsiders?
◦ Underlying principles of a democracy is the
willingness of the people to govern themselves.
A nation can only become a democracy if there is a
desire on the part of the people.
Invasion of Afghanistan
Taliban (ruling Afghanistan at the time)
refused to hand over Osama bin Laden to
U.S. authorities and to disband al-Qaeda
bases in Afghanistan.
◦ Response to 9/11 attacks
◦ After the U.S. overthrew the Taliban
government, a new government formed under
Hamid Karzai.
UN force helped to support the Karzai
administration.
Which facts on your sheet suggest that democracy may be difficult
to achieve in Afghanistan?
◦ Poverty, a high rate of illiteracy, and lack of
stability in political, economic, and social systems.
◦ Series of civil wars following the Soviet Union’s
withdrawal
◦ History of tribal leadership, where groups have
little interaction – “majority rule” may not
adequately protect minorities (i.e. if one tribe has
power).
◦ Continued presence of Taliban, history of
international interference (distrust of outside
governments and organizations), and corruption.
Which facts suggest that democracy may work in Afghanistan?
◦ Elections have taken place and Afghanistan has
received international support.
◦ Expatriates have returned with money,
education, and democratic ideas and
principles.
◦ Taliban has been toppled and the majority in
Afghanistan recognizes that the Taliban’s strict
rule strips them of their rights.
Will it Work in Afghanistan?
Western experts are divided on whether democracy
will work in Afghanistan.
◦ Cannot be imposed on people by an outside force (the
people need to want it)
◦ People have to believe the democratic practices are
working and the source of power is legitimate.
Difficult in a society where tribes are suspicious of one another
and where the Taliban continue to look for a foothold for power.
Afghan Views of Democracy: percentage of Afghans
who agree that “democracy is better than other
forms of government”.
◦ 2008 – 76% favor democracy (29% strongly agree, 47%
somewhat)
◦ Democracy lost favor between 2006-2008
Afghan Views
on
Democracy:
What do you
notice about
the chart?
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