The Causes and Geographical Impacts of War in Afghanistan

This textbook was ‘Highly Commended’ by the judges at the Geographical Association Publishers' Awards 2014. It investigates the nature and origin of the highly destructive conflict in Afghanistan, involving both civil and international war, which has been an ongoing feature of the country since the Soviet invasion of 1979. The book examines the anti-Soviet struggle of the 1980s, the vicious civil war and emergence of the Taliban in the 1990s, as well as the 2001 US-led invasion, and the efforts of the international coalition to suppress the Taliban insurgency. It also follows the country’s struggle for stability and peace since the withdrawal of the majority of coalition troops in 2014.


More than 30 years of conflict have had horrific effects on the lives of Afghanistan’s civilians, and taken a heavy toll on the forces involved in the fighting. But the consequences go much deeper. Therefore, the book also scrutinises the geographical impacts of the war, in terms of the resulting economic, social and environmental legacy for Afghanistan and the international players in the conflict.


The case study will support A Level Geography students following the AQA Geography Specification and studying the unit on 'Contemporary Conflicts and Challenges'. In addition, it will be of relevance to many others with an interest in national or international conflicts.


Images, videos, multiple-choice review questions, exam-style questions and further tasks / discussion questions are provided to create a more interactive and educational experience for the reader.