South Asian Studies: Afghanistan

Afghanistan, situated at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, has a millennia-spanning history marked by the rise and fall of various empires, from the Achaemenids to the Ghaznavids. In recent centuries, it faced imperial interests, notably British and Soviet, and a prolonged conflict in the latter part of the 20th century. The emergence of the Taliban in the 1990s significantly altered the nation's course. The 21st century brought global attention to Afghanistan due to its role in the War on Terror and the withdrawal of international forces, as the Taliban regained control of significant parts of the country. Today, Afghanistan stands at a crucial juncture, striving to rebuild and define its future amid ongoing geopolitical complexities.