HS 450 - Special Topics: History of Afghanistan

(3.00 cr.)

Studies the history of Afghanistan from its emergence as a distinct political entity in 1747 to the return to power of the Taliban in August 2021. In the first part of the course, the impact of major power rivalry on state formation, modernization in the twentieth century, democratization in the 1960s, and the fall of the Old Regime in 1978 are studied. In the second half of the course, over four decades of war which witnessed varying regimes in power including Communists, Islamists, Taliban, and a U.S. backed government during the Global War on Terror after 9/11 are examined. A major theme of the course is to analyze why the 20-year effort to rebuild Afghanistan with the assistance of the international community from 2001-2021 failed and led to the re-emergence of the Taliban in power.

Prerequisite: One HS 100-level course, one HS 300-level course.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Varies

Interdisciplinary Studies: GT

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