TPL and Ryerson University presents: On Afghanistan, a virtual discussion with political scientist, Barnett Rubin, who explores questions about the future of Afghanistan, in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair and Associate Professor of Politics and Public Administration, and a distinguished panel of experts.

The rapid fall of Kabul to the Taliban in the summer of 2021, following the United States’ withdrawal of its military forces, stunned observers across the world. The establishment of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in 2004 expanded personal freedoms, social development and basic infrastructure in many urban areas. Yet disputed elections and endemic corruption undermined the promise of democracy and the rule of law. And poverty persisted through the countryside, where counterinsurgency operations caused mounting civilian deaths. Today, hundreds of thousands of Afghans seek refuge abroad. Severe repression threatens hard won rights. Millions confront a devastating humanitarian crisis.

The Islamic Republic is the latest regime to fall in a series of wars that have reconfigured the country since the 1970s. These conflicts reflect struggles for recognition, contests of power and the battle of ideas within its complex multiethnic society. But they have been decisively shaped by the ambitions and interventions of neighboring states and imperial rivalries.

What factors will shape the future of Afghanistan? Is it possible to create a new power-sharing regime that recognizes the rights of its citizens, provides stability and enables development? And what do Canada and the United States, among other countries, owe to its people?

The distinguished political scientist Barnett Rubin, one of the world’s leading scholars of Afghanistan, conflict prevention and statebuilding, explores these questions in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia, along with Shogofa Sediqi, Mohammad Popal and Rachel Pulfer.

Barnett Rubin
Sanjay Ruparelia
Shogofa Sediqi
Mohammad Popal
Rachel Pulfer

This event is co-sponsored by the Canadian International Council.

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This event is part of our On Civil Society series.

Generously supported in part by Chris M. Reid

On the Frontlines of Democracy is a new public lecture series to analyze its prospects in the twenty-first century. Around the world, democracies face serious challenges, old and new. Can we protect our constitutional democracies in an era of popular mistrust, severe partisanship and resurgent nationalism? Can they reduce inequalities of power, wealth and status, defend deep diversity and confront climate change in the new digital age? Can we develop innovative strategies to revitalize civic engagement and empower public institutions to renew the promise of collective self-rule? And what can Canada offer, learn and do to promote the prospects of democracy, in a spirit of mutual learning, in our post-western world?

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Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

Barnett Rubin: On Afghanistan