Commentary
Judy Dempsey
{
"authors": [
"Judy Dempsey"
],
"type": "legacyinthemedia",
"centerAffiliationAll": "",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"Carnegie Europe"
],
"collections": [],
"englishNewsletterAll": "",
"nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Europe",
"programAffiliation": "",
"programs": [],
"projects": [],
"regions": [
"Asia",
"Europe"
],
"topics": [
"Foreign Policy"
]
}
Source: Getty
In The Media
The Connection Between Europe’s Nobel and Afghanistan
The European Union could make a difference both practically and strategically by putting in place a long-term development strategy for Afghanistan.
By Judy Dempsey
Published on Dec 10, 2012
Source: New York Times
Since the European Coal and Steel Community, a precursor of the Union, was founded soon after World War II, European countries have worked hard to overcome centuries of enmity and war.
The extraordinary lengths to which France and Germany have gone to promote reconciliation have provided a model for other countries seeking rapprochement.The European Union’s promotion of values and its use of soft power have been extremely important for the countries of Eastern and Central Europe. When they joined the Union in 2004, Europe became reunited on the basis of democracy, human rights and stability.
But now it is time for the Union to ensure that the Nobel Peace Prize becomes a motivation to defend values beyond Europe, not just an honor about past achievements.
Afghanistan presents an ideal but difficult opportunity. The reason is that NATO forces are now drawing down, the theme of my latest Letter from Europe. The 102,000-strong force will end its combat mission in 2014. The NATO alliance says it will follow it up with a training mission for the Afghan military and police.
But nongovernmental organizations are concerned that the gains made by women and a younger generation of judges, journalists, lawyers and teachers will be reversed. This is because corruption is endemic, the Taliban and other insurgents oppose human rights and democracy, and the Afghan security forces are too weak to exert control.
The European Union could make a difference by putting in place a long-term development strategy for Afghanistan. This would require a highly disciplined and coordinated relationship with all the nongovernmental organizations involved in Afghanistan. That might be possible only with strong leadership from Brussels. Diplomats based in Afghanistan have seen much of the rivalry between nongovernmental organizations that makes coordination and cooperation difficult.
What happens in Afghanistan is important, not only for Afghans but also for the region. If the European Union were to adopt a radical, long-term development program that would establish a special relationship between locals and experts and that would focus on human rights and economic development, it could — and it’s a big ”could” — show to Afghanistan’s neighbors the relevance of being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
About the Author
Judy Dempsey
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Carnegie Europe
Judy Dempsey is a nonresident senior fellow at Carnegie Europe
- Europe Needs to Hear What America is Saying
- Babiš’s Victory in Czechia Is Not a Turning Point for European PopulistsCommentary
Judy Dempsey
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
More Work from Carnegie China
- China Sells Stability Amid American VolatilityCommentary
U.S. unpredictability has allowed China to capitalize on its positioning as the “responsible great power”. Paradoxically, the more China wins the perception game, the more likely expectations will rise for Beijing to deliver not just words but to demonstrate with its deeds.
Chong Ja Ian
- Why Vietnam Is Swinging in China’s DirectionCommentary
Hanoi and Beijing have long treated each other as distant cousins rather than comrades in arms. That might be changing as both sides draw closer to hedge against uncertainty and America’s erratic behavior.
Nguyễn Khắc Giang
- China’s Energy Security Doesn’t Run Through Hormuz but Through the Electrification of EverythingCommentary
Across Asia, China is better positioned to withstand energy shocks from the fallout of the Iran war. Its abundant coal capacity can ensure stability in the near term. Yet at the same time, the country’s energy transition away from coal will make it even less vulnerable during the next shock.
Damien Ma
- Malaysia’s Year as ASEAN Chair: Managing DisorderCommentary
Malaysia’s chairmanship sought to fend off short-term challenges while laying the groundwork for minimizing ASEAN’s longer-term exposure to external stresses.
Elina Noor
- When It Comes to Superpower Geopolitics, Malaysia Is Staunchly NonpartisanCommentary
For Malaysia, the conjunction that works is “and” not “or” when it comes to the United States and China.
Elina Noor
