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?