US/AFGHAN WAR: GREAT-POWER POLITICS
Abstract
The Neo-realist Kenneth Waltz is convinced that the structure of the state develops international relations therefore states are all the same in culture, constitutions, and ideologies. The capability of the state would enhance a rise and soon the state which possessed varying capabilities would take over international politics. These political philosophers also describe the conditions of the anarchical-states in a globalized era where hostility and scarcity may lead its conflicts to the final situation of war. Keeping in view the neo-realists perspective, the US/Afghan war is great power politics where Afghan anarchical structure shapes the conflictual behavior, and the US as great power takes advantage of September 11. This act is a sign of unipolarity of the US in international politics. It is a comfortable move for great power but it is difficult to cope with Afghanistan as a small and weak state. The US has a dominating stance and Afghanistan that was already weak in political and military standings could not deter. In the 1980s the United States secured the support of Mujahideen of this weaker state to wage a holy war against the Soviets. ISI trained Afghan mujahedeen with money from the CIA. It was during the Afghan war that the birth of al-Qaeda took place. In reality, Osama Bin Laden was an American ally during the first Afghan war. The study aims to examine power game in neorealist paradigm.
