Episode Notes:

The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan has raised a number of questions about the wisdom and execution of the U.S. withdrawal. Critics allege that America’s decision to leave Afghanistan has damaged the country’s international credibility and will have significant reputational costs for the United States. Others are skeptical, and argue that withdrawing from Afghanistan will open up resources to focus on great-power competition and provide the United States long-term strategic benefits.

To sort through this debate on reputation, credibility, and U.S. foreign policy, we’re joined on the Warcast today by Evan Braden Montgomery. Evan is the director of research and studies at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments and the author of In the Hegemon’s Shadow: Leading States and the Rise of Regional Powers.

[ 01:07 ] Afghanistan and U.S. credibility

[ 08:45 ] Emboldened adversaries?

[ 10:43 ] What America can do now