Applying Realism Theory in Afghanistan

摘要

During the last nine years, both the Bush and Obama Administrations adjusted and modified the Afghanistan strategy in order to meet changing national strategic objectives. Most recently the Obama Administration, following a nine month strategy review, announced in March 2009 a new overarching AfPak strategy, and in December of 2009 announced a renewed Afghanistan strategy. These strategies are now being executed with the following objectives: 'to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda,' 'to degrade the Taliban,' ''to prevent their return,' and to transition to Afghan government and security force lead by July 2011. One year after President Obama's December 2009 West Point speech, are the policy, strategy and objectives for Afghanistan in the United States' vital national interests. Utilizing the Realism Theories of Hans J. Morgenthau as a comparative model, this thesis will demonstrate that the current United States national policy, strategy, and objectives for Afghanistan meet the principles of Realism Theory, support U.S. vital national security interests, and are achievable.