Between Ideology and Survival: The Taliban's Foreign Policy in Its Second Regime Open Access

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore the ideology and rhetoric of the Taliban regimes. The Taliban has been a group that has eluded the minds of many in the world. Between their first (1996-2001) and second (2021-present) regimes, the Taliban has changed its rhetoric and stance to the international world. While their first regime was associated with extremist policies, non-interference, and non-compliance, the second regime has portrayed the image of being more open to diplomatic engagement with various countries. This thesis explores the shift in the Taliban through examining the rhetoric of the group used by its first and second regime. Rhetoric in international relations is an important tool for portraying ideology, stability, and alignment with international norms. I find that the Taliban has shifted from using Islamic rhetoric as justification for its foreign policy, to using language that shows alignment with international norms. As an explanation for this change, this thesis argues that the Taliban has acted in accordance with realism and pragmatism theories of international relations. In order to project stability, gain international recognition, and maintain legitimacy, the Taliban has to act beyond an ideological framework and be strategic in its partnership. 

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction…………………………………………………………………………7

The Rise of the Taliban …………………………………………………………………………8

The US Invasion Period …………………………………………………………………………15

Pragmatism and Realism in Taliban 2.0………………………………………………………………………… 20

Methodology: …………………………………………………………………………23

Limitations: …………………………………………………………………………26

Structure:………………………………………………………………………… 27

Chapter 2: The Taliban’s Domestic Ideology………………………………………………………………………… 29

Taliban Ideology: Deobandism………………………………………………………………………… 29

Taliban Ideology: Pashtunwali …………………………………………………………………………34

Taliban Ideology: Islamism …………………………………………………………………………39

Taliban 1. 0 Domestic Policies …………………………………………………………………………41

Taliban 2.0 Domestic Policies …………………………………………………………………………45

Chapter 3: The Foreign Policy of the Taliban …………………………………………………………………………49

The First Taliban Regime………………………………………………………………………… 49

Second Government's Rhetoric …………………………………………………………………………60

Chapter 4: Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………74

Pragmatic Realism and the Taliban …………………………………………………………………………74

Explanations for why the Taliban has taken this path …………………………………………………………………………75

Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………76

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Middle Eastern Studies
Keyword	Taliban Diplomacy
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Courtney Freer, Emory University
Committee Members	Dan Reiter, Emory University Renard Sexton, Emory University

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