Over the past four decades, Afghanistan has faced relentless violence and conflict, resulting in immense pain and loss without achieving long-term, sustainable peace. Despite temporary pauses in violence, the lack of a comprehensive national healing and reconciliation process has perpetuated a cycle of conflict, compounding the nation’s suffering. Even during the relatively stable period from 2001 to 2021, Afghanistan failed to pursue meaningful reconciliation.

In the current context—characterized by political stagnation—it is crucial to explore how Afghanistan can build an inclusive political system while addressing deep-seated wounds from past conflicts. This inquiry must tackle complex questions about breaking the cycle of violence, ensuring the safety of all Afghans, and identifying necessary political proposals for transformation.

While considerable research has been conducted on these issues, much of it lacks a solid grounding in Afghan perspectives, often overlooking key realities. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further examination, debate, and diverse policy recommendations to address the grievances accumulated over the past four decades.

The Afghanistan Policy Lab at Princeton School of Public and International Affairs plans to host a high-level, one-day event in SPIA DC. This event will engage experts, and relevant stakeholders to discuss these challenging topics, by learning and proposing ways forward. and . It is essential for Afghan society—both in exile and within the country—to access literature and information that scrutinizes these topics, fostering reflection and acknowledgment of the unaddressed atrocities. Prioritizing reconciliation and healing is vital for any sustainable political solution for Afghanistan’s future.

This event is designed to foster open and candid dialogue, with the two off-the-record sessions enabling a safe space for reflection and debate. The public panels will serve to share key insights and policy recommendations with a broader audience.

Sponsorship of an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of external speakers or views presented.