Evolution of the American Strategy in Afghanistan (2014-2020)

This paper focuses on the evolution of the American strategy in Afghanistan and is based on open-access information. The core of this paper is a historical qualitative research based on American foreign policy documents and statements, international agreements and actual case studies. The work identifies motives behind the continuing military operations, strategy of three different presidents and the role of status consideration on the policy of each one. Based on the data revived it was identified that status considerations had a large impact on the U.S foreign policy towards Afghanistan. However, the acceptable outcome for the U.S was changing during the conflict. In the beginning of their military campaign, U.S was aimed at winning the war. However, after facing the real situation in the country and strong resistance from their enemies, the criteria regarding "saving the face" has changed. It was not the priority to win anymore, but at least to establish a stable government and in the end it was enough just to conclude a peace agreement with the Taliban in order to achieve at least formal stability in the region.