Afghanistan: An Analysis of U.S. Foreign Policy’s Effect on Afghan Terrorism Rates

Author

Katelyn E. Tinsley Foust, University of Mississippi Main CampusFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-8-2025

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

First Advisor

Francis Boateng

Second Advisor

Wes Jennings

Third Advisor

Benjamin Jones

Relational Format

Thesis

Abstract

While the term ‘terrorism’ was first coined and widely used in the late 1700s regarding the French Reign of Terror, its popularity has grown dramatically around the globe in the last few decades. Advancements in things like technology and news reporting have made these attacks more popular and have given terrorists an easier outlet to be recognized around the world. One such area we hear about often is the Middle East and the Levant. Countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and more, are routinely discussed in our news cycles here in the United States, especially since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This thesis specifically explores the relationship between U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy and its effects on terrorism rates in the country of Afghanistan. Using data from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) in conjunction with previous research, the study determines that the United States’ foreign policy does have long-term effects in Afghanistan, by aiding in and allowing for the creation of modern terrorist organizations during and immediately following the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan. Data presented will show the terrorism rates from 1979-2021 and will be used as a metric for evaluating the United States’ foreign policy in Afghanistan.

Recommended Citation

Tinsley Foust, Katelyn E., "Afghanistan: An Analysis of U.S. Foreign Policy’s Effect on Afghan Terrorism Rates" (2025). Honors Theses. 3262.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3262

Creative Commons License

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