THE IDEOLOGICAL BALANCE OF THE AFGHAN VECTOR IN US FOREIGN POLICY: ISOLATIONISM AND INTERNATIONALISM

Abstract

The article "Ideological Balance in U.S. Foreign Policy: Isolationism and Internationalism" represents a study of the most significant ideological currents shaping the strategy of the United States' foreign policy. The author offers an in-depth analysis of the historical roots and principles of isolationism and internationalism, illuminating their evolution throughout history. The article focuses on the dialogue between the traditional isolationist aspiration to preserve independence and limit involvement in external conflicts, and the internationalist aspiration to actively engage in global affairs. The analysis of the influence of these ideological orientations on the formulation of foreign policy decisions serves to caution against oversimplification, emphasizing the complexity of the challenges in the international arena. The article underscores the relevance of understanding the ideological balance in the modern world, where geopolitical dynamics call for balanced and flexible approaches. It also emphasizes the necessity of considering historical legacies and contemporary challenges for the effective development of foreign relations strategies.

The unstable and tense political situation in Afghanistan at the beginning of the 21st century remains one of the pressing issues of regional and international security. Amidst conflicting global competition, major centers of power increasingly attempt to utilize the Afghan issue as an instrument to achieve geopolitical goals. Specifically, the outcomes of the transformation of the United States' foreign policy towards Afghanistan have posed yet another serious challenge and threat to the security and stability of the South and Central Asian region. Numerous prestigious research centers conduct studies on the causes and consequences of the U.S. foreign policy regarding the Afghan issue, as well as its impact on international and regional security. Particularly in the conditions of acute global competition and the transformation of the U.S. strategy in the South and Central Asian region, the prospects of U.S. government relations with the Taliban movement have become a pertinent topic in expert research.

In recent years, it is also observable that among leading politicians and experts, there is a growing trend to perceive Afghanistan not merely as a source of security threats, but as a factor of development opportunities for the Central and South Asian region. In connection with this, the development of effective mechanisms to address existing issues has become a subject of discussion in major international conferences.

Analyzing the influence of ideological orientations on the formulation of foreign policy decisions, the author cautions against oversimplifying the complex challenges of the international arena. They emphasize the relevance of understanding the ideological balance in the contemporary world, where geopolitical dynamics necessitate balanced and flexible approaches.