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
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 Europe
- Taking the Pulse: Is France’s New Nuclear Doctrine Ambitious Enough?Commentary
French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled his country’s new nuclear doctrine. Are the changes he has made enough to reassure France’s European partners in the current geopolitical context?
Rym Momtaz, ed.
- The Iran War’s Dangerous Fallout for EuropeCommentary
The drone strike on the British air base in Akrotiri brings Europe’s proximity to the conflict in Iran into sharp relief. In the fog of war, old tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean risk being reignited, and regional stakeholders must avoid escalation.
Marc Pierini
- The EU Needs a Third Way in IranCommentary
European reactions to the war in Iran have lost sight of wider political dynamics. The EU must position itself for the next phase of the crisis without giving up on its principles.
Richard Youngs
- Resetting Cyber Relations with the United StatesArticle
For years, the United States anchored global cyber diplomacy. As Washington rethinks its leadership role, the launch of the UN’s Cyber Global Mechanism may test how allies adjust their engagement.
Patryk Pawlak, Chris Painter
- Global Instability Makes Europe More Attractive, Not LessCommentary
Europe isn’t as weak in the new geopolitics of power as many would believe. But to leverage its assets and claim a sphere of influence, Brussels must stop undercutting itself.
Dimitar Bechev
