Journal Article - International Security

Why U.S. Efforts to Promote the Rule of Law in Afghanistan Failed

    Author:
  • Geoffrey Swenson
| Summer 2017

Summary

Since 2001, the United States has expended vast resources attempting to promote the rule of law in Afghanistan. This effort failed for two reasons. First, U.S. efforts prioritized supporting the state legal system, despite its corruption and lack of legitimacy. Second, policymakers often overlooked nonstate tribal and religious justice systems. Successfully promoting the rule of law after conflict requires realistic expectations and deep understanding of a country’s legal culture, politics, and history.

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For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:

Geoffrey Swenson, "Why U.S. Efforts to Promote the Rule of Law in Afghanistan Failed," International Security, Vol. 42, No. 1 (Summer 2017), pp. 114–151.

The Author

Geoffrey Swenson

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