Chaos and Humanitarian Interventions in Afghanistan

Abstract

With the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan, a unique situation arises regarding their pursuit of international recognition. On the one hand, their close ties to terrorist organisations like al-Qaeda and their questionable sources of funding raise significant concerns about the consequences of granting them international legitimacy. Conversely, the international community, particularly the United States, appears hesitant to intervene at this juncture, prompting thoughtful reflection. Specifically, post-recognition, there is a looming question about whether the Taliban will persist in endorsing terrorist activities or relying on illicit funding methods. In such a scenario, determining the justification for humanitarian interventions becomes a critical consideration. Moreover, the extent of intervention during the transitional phase from lawlessness to lawfulness in Afghanistan, where extreme crimes are prevalent, demands scrutiny. In this context, it is pertinent to explore Immanuel Kant’s perspectives on humanity and his work Perpetual Peace as they align with the current situation. Therefore, this paper aims to assess both sides of the issue through a Kantian lens to gauge the appropriateness of humanitarian intervention under these unique circumstances. Ultimately, this analysis could shape a new framework for interventions in dire situations involving “crimes against humanity” or threats to human lives stemming from such conditions.