The United States' intervention in Afghanistan after 9/11 aimed to establish democracy and state-building, but these objectives were not achieved. The limited understanding of tribal politics and cultural dynamics by US policymakers hindered the consolidation of democracy. Warlords in Afghanistan exploited this lack of knowledge and manipulated the state-building and democratization processes. The historical trajectory of state-building in Afghanistan, from a tribal confederacy to a weak state, and the influence of external powers like Russia and Britain are explored. The US approach to state-building in Afghanistan was flawed, prioritizing stability over the democratic process. The failure in Afghanistan is not solely the fault of the US but is rooted in Afghan history. Valuable lessons should be learned for future interventions. [4cd462da]
Sudanese democracy has also faced challenges due to foreign pressures, particularly from the United States. The US has a track record of failed democracy promotion in Sudan and is failing domestically on democratic indicators. US democracy promotion is shaped by economic and political interests, contradicting the idea of democracy based on national sovereignty. The US model of democracy has not been successful in Sudan. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, influenced by the US, consolidated al-Bashir's government. The failure of the Sudanese regime to address economic grievances and carry out economic restructuring contributed to the post-2019 transition's failure. The Hamdok government pursued IMF austerity policies, leading to public discontent. The US pressured Sudan to recognize Israel and pay for acts of terrorism allegedly supported by al-Bashir's regime. The US did not support the Hamdok government when the military overthrew it. The opposition's limited vision and devotion to constitutional politics have hindered democratic progress. The author suggests considering Sudan's history, including the achievements during the early period of Jaafar Nimeiri's dictatorship, when pondering the country's future democratic path. [af60f2f5]