Democracy in Afghanistan Since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the U.S. has spent billions of dollars at war in Afghanistan. One policy goal: establish a stable regime Some say this is best done through a democratic government based on the structure of the U.S. government (ethnocentrism). Review of Democracy Implementation in Afghanistan – pros/cons

Review of Democracy in America Democracy = demos (people) + kratia (power or rule) = rule by the people. What are the main principles and practices of democratic government? Destiny of a nation should be guided by the will of the people, rather than by the wishes of an individual (dictatorship). Usually, majority rules as decided in elections. Voting is a key component – all citizens have an equal vote.

Review continued… How is the U.S. democratic system of government structured? The U.S. system of government is a representative democracy (citizens elect the people who make laws and set policy). In comparison, a direct democracy is when people vote on laws and proposals. The Constitution is the supreme rule of the land, spelling out how the government works. Bill of Rights – protect rights of Americans Elected positions (nationally) = president, senators, and representatives. We also have state and local level officials. Set terms for office – this way if a leader does something wrong, people can vote the leader out of office before his or her term expires. Checks and balances – so no one person or group has too much power. 3 branches = executive, legislative, judicial

Review continued. How did democracy in the U.S. come about? Founding Fathers established self-government after breaking away from England. Do you think a democratic government is something that can be created by outsiders? Underlying principles of a democracy is the willingness of the people to govern themselves. A nation can only become a democracy if there is a desire on the part of the people.

Invasion of Afghanistan Taliban (ruling Afghanistan at the time) refused to hand over Osama bin Laden to U.S. authorities and to disband al-Qaeda bases in Afghanistan. Response to 9/11 attacks After the U.S. overthrew the Taliban government, a new government formed under Hamid Karzai. UN force helped to support the Karzai administration.

Series of civil wars following the Soviet Union’s withdrawal Which facts on your sheet suggest that democracy may be difficult to achieve in Afghanistan? Poverty, a high rate of illiteracy, and lack of stability in political, economic, and social systems. Series of civil wars following the Soviet Union’s withdrawal History of tribal leadership, where groups have little interaction – “majority rule” may not adequately protect minorities (i.e. if one tribe has power). Continued presence of Taliban, history of international interference (distrust of outside governments and organizations), and corruption.

Which facts suggest that democracy may work in Afghanistan? Elections have taken place and Afghanistan has received international support. Expatriates have returned with money, education, and democratic ideas and principles. Taliban has been toppled and the majority in Afghanistan recognizes that the Taliban’s strict rule strips them of their rights.

Will it Work in Afghanistan? Western experts are divided on whether democracy will work in Afghanistan. Cannot be imposed on people by an outside force (the people need to want it) People have to believe the democratic practices are working and the source of power is legitimate. Difficult in a society where tribes are suspicious of one another and where the Taliban continue to look for a foothold for power. Afghan Views of Democracy: percentage of Afghans who agree that “democracy is better than other forms of government”. 2008 – 76% favor democracy (29% strongly agree, 47% somewhat) Democracy lost favor between 2006-2008

Afghan Views on Democracy: What do you notice about the chart?