Profit, People, and Politics: A comparative case study on United States and German interests motivating the intervention in Afghanistan and their subsequent effects
Skyler Barnes
11/08/2026
International interventions have shaped the world in various ways. This article uses a qualitative research method to thematically analyze archival data and original sources to gain a better understanding of the motivations that drive international interventions, and their effects on the outcomes and justification for such interventions. The analysis is guided by the English School theoretical framework, which recognizes the importance of both power politics and international cooperation in international relations. Building on previous literature and using the Afghanistan War as a case study, this article argues that there are three primary fields of motivations: people, power, and politics. People-motivated interventions are most ethically sound, while Profit- and Politically-driven interventions are much more difficult to justify and often create further issues rather than solve them. In conclusion, this article argues that in order for successful, ethical interventions to ensure the best interests of the people of intervened nations in future, Profit and Political motivations behind interventions must be minimized.