The Taliban’s ascent to power in Afghanistan marks the end of US state building efforts and perhaps of liberal interventionism. The US and its European allies failed to establish legitimate governance, and thousands of Afghans suffer the consequences. SPS researcher Wolfgang Minatti points out why the Taliban now face a similar challenge.

Although the Intra-Afghan peace talks are a significant step towards a resolution of a forty-year-long war, challenges remain as violence continues and both sides not only have drastically opposing views but also face internal divisions.