ScholarOne - Gaming the Afghan War: A Strategic Analysis
Abstract
This study utilizes game theory for a descriptive-explanatory analysis
of the U.S.-Taliban conflict, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping
strategic interactions. Diverging from prevalent realism, liberalism,
and constructivism perspectives, it highlights game theory's overlooked
significance. The analysis reveals hesitancy among stakeholders to
cooperate due to perceived short-term costs, hindering peaceful
resolution. Emphasizing long-term dividends post-U.S. withdrawal, the
study underscores missed opportunities for cost savings and troop
safety. U.S. policy displays strategic confusion, blending non-zero-sum
pursuits with military force, a bluffing strategy for maximum gains.
Despite recognizing the conflict's complexity, the study advocates game
theory, especially the prisoner's dilemma, for understanding strategic
choices. The article explores game theory's relevance in conflict
resolution, focusing on the 2001-2020 Afghanistan conflict, offering
guidance from this theoretical framework.02 Feb 2024Submitted to Advance 09 Apr 2024Published in Advance