Abstract
After the withdrawal of all US forces from Afghanistan and the subsequent fall of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the insurgent group known as the Taliban seized power. The entire world watched as the country fell into chaos and uncertainty became the common theme of the newly established Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. This review, drawing from a wide range of sources, seeks to present the issues surrounding the governance of Afghanistan and the people residing within its borders. Additionally, this paper will present conditions that have led to previous failures through historical analysis. This literature review will also present evaluations of the current situation of governance and factors that impacted the current situation while concluding with potential policy proposals regarding the Taliban, the international community, and what a legitimate, effective, and stable government may look like in Afghanistan. Though there is no consensus on a viable solution, there is just as much uncertainty over the acceptance of a solution by the Taliban and whether it will last for an extended period of time.