Publication

British policy towards Afghanistan after 2001 was marked by the ideological framework of liberal internationalism. National security objectives related to confronting international terrorism were informed by a broader understanding of the importance of a normative international order. In this order, a more just, prosperous, democratic and friendly Afghanistan had an obvious place. The greater balance at the outset between military, social and political objectives in British policy towards Afghanistan made the government a pioneer within NATO in developing a ‘comprehensive’ approach. This paper is part of a series that examines the strategies of four NATO members in Afghanistan: The US, the UK, Germany and Norway.