Claim 1: After WWII, Russia began its massive spread of communism and this spread stretched far and wide to many regions across the globe. Either through peaceful policies or violent military
Claim 2; Because of its lack of colonization, Russia had a significant lack of imported resources, especially after WWII. Now, with its new government, communism, spreading its influence had turned into the only logical action. The lack of colonies from Russia had left the rest of the world to gain even more unclaimed land so one of Russia’s few choices was to intervene into the instability of other countries. A civil war in Afghanistan had made for a perfect opportunity to swiftly invade and align the country to Russia’s side of the Cold War. But as the resistance group, the mujahideen, fought for government control, it also resisted the Soviet Army. After years of fighting, the resistance groups, now know as the Taliban, took control of both the government and the country, after the swift, brutal guerrilla tactics that turned the tide of battle in the Taliban’s favor. Even though invading other countries and spreading the influence of communism would be a sound replacement for colonization, it did not go well, especially in the Middle East for Russia, although these invasions and interventions worked in other regions of the world.
Claim 3: "National self interest drives diplomacy." This claim connects to Afghanistan, because the nation was able to relate to the United State's political views. Both nations believed democratic and republic governments were most suitable. These particular governments allowed freedom rights as well as social classes. The majority of Afghanistan was anti-communist contradicting with Russia's views. The Soviet Union invasion caused Afghanistan resist to the attack and communism. Communist nations claim all are equal while the government possess all economic and political power. Afghanistan was aware of the complication and wanted their nation to be run in a republic. Since the United States was against communism they assisted in providing weapons to the insurgency groups to drive the nation into fighting back.