이라크 및 아프가니스탄 전쟁의 장기화 - 이론적 원인 분석 -

Abstract

This article explains why wars in Afghanistan and Iraq lasted for long with uncertain prospects for closure. Its core argument is that the unipolar international system is a main cause of their prolongation. As the sole superpower, the United States indulged itself in extraordinary ambition, complacency, and pride. These factors created daunting obstacles to a swift success. Ambition led to expanded war aims and difficult tasks including state-building. Complacency produced deficient, unrealistic war plans and preparations, as well as insufficient resource allocations. Pride caused politicians’ obsession with global leadership and the general public’s expectation for victory, thereby preventing an early withdrawal from the challenging conflicts. These obstacles combined to entrap the most powerful nation in quagmires.