Afghanistan after the Fall of Kabul with Dr Christine Cheng

Afghanistan after the Fall of Kabul with Dr Christine Cheng

Author: Department of War Studies August 30, 2023 Duration: 46:49
“They couldn’t scrape together enough food to feed a family… It was very, very, very desperate.” On August 15 2021, international troops withdrew from Afghanistan. Two years on, what has been the impact of the Taliban’s rule? How has the country experienced both conflict and peace? And with a significant humanitarian crisis affecting the country, what can we do to support the people of Afghanistan? In this episode, Dr Christine Cheng explores the balances of power, security and conflict that led to the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. She discusses the mindsets that led to the USA’s expedited withdrawal, why countries aren’t prepared to send foreign aid to support Afghanistan, and the experiences of people – particularly women – living under the Taliban’s rule.

Drawn from the work of the School of Security Studies at King's College London, War Studies offers a direct line to one of the world's largest and most dedicated academic communities focused on security, defence, and international relations. This isn't about surface-level headlines; each episode digs into the intricate realities of conflict, diplomacy, and global power. You'll hear scholars and researchers unpack the underlying forces that shape world affairs, moving beyond theory to examine the tangible challenges faced by those navigating these complex spaces. The Department of War Studies produces this podcast to share its world-leading research, treating each conversation as an opportunity to question assumptions and deepen understanding. Tuning in means engaging with rigorous analysis that connects academic insight to the pressing security issues of our time. The consistent thread is a belief that examining the nature of war is essential for comprehending the broader landscape of human conflict and cooperation. Expect thoughtful, evidence-driven discussions that refuse to simplify the difficult questions.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

War Studies
Podcast Episodes
Wargaming: Playing out uncertainty with Dr David Banks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:18
Wargaming has surged in popularity in recent years, drawing substantial financial backing from militaries, governments and the private sector alike. But what are wargames and how are they being used within the defence in…
Israel and conflict memory in Lebanon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:53
Series: Breaking Cycles of Conflict As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate, Dr Craig Larkin and Bronte Philips reflect on what this means for the people of Lebanon. They explore how the escala…
Violent extremism and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:37
Tens of thousands of children currently live in dire conditions in Al Hol camp in Syria – and there are concerns this makes them vulnerable to radicalisation and recruitment. But what is the evidence behind this? Caterin…
Translating the stories of conflict-affected populations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:01
A translator’s job is to take something in one language and convert it to another – but when you’re translating the stories of people affected by conflict, how do you ensure your own feelings don’t get in the way? In thi…
Addressing male conflict trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:44
Content warning: This episode contains mentions of sexual violence, self-harm, and suicide. Series: Breaking Cycles of Conflict Dr Heidi Riley and Beth Heron discuss their research into conflict trauma in men and boys, e…
Growing up in violent extremist families [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:52
Series: Breaking Cycles of Conflict "Imagine that dad is a neo-Nazi, mum has joined a jihadist group" As governments across Europe face the challenge of reintegrating returnees from Iraq and Syria, Dr Joana Cook examines…