Failed Afghan Prescription and Taliban 2.0: Regional Stakes and Implications

The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the swift return of the Taliban have exposed the limitations of two decades of external interventions and policy prescriptions. With the rise of Taliban 2.0, Afghanistan stands at the center of renewed debates on governance, security, and extremism. The unfolding situation not only reshapes Afghanistan’s internal dynamics but also carries profound implications for regional stability, power competition, and cross-border threats. This seminar will explore the reasons behind the failure of past strategies, assess the evolving nature of Taliban 2.0, and examine the geopolitical, security, and economic stakes for South and Central Asia, as well as the wider international community.