Borderless states and transnational forces: the emergence of the Taleban and [the] regional consequences of state failure in Afghanistan 1978-2002

Abstract

Since 1978 Afghanistan has witnessed the massive displacement of its population due to revolution, anti-government insurgency, endemic civil war, drought and proxy wars backed by foreign powers and cross-border independent actors. As a result, the Afghan state collapsed, leading to the emergence of the fundamentalist Taleban. Initially, a social movement determined to rid the country of lawlessness, the movement imposed a unique and harsh regime upon the failed state with no blueprint for restructuring state institutions. The Taleban subsequently became agents of foreign powers and regional actors. Ultimately, they failed to gain national legitimacy and international credibility, alienating their support base before succumbing to the rise of global military opposition.