In this episode, Dominic Bowen and Emily Winterbotham discuss how Afghanistan has evolved since the Taliban’s return to power, challenging simplified narratives around security, terrorism, and international disengagement. Drawing on extensive field experience and long-term research, they examine why Afghanistan remains a critical test case for counterterrorism, regional geopolitics, and global risk management. Find out more about how the Taliban have reshaped the country’s security landscape since 2021, including the shifting threat posed by ISKP, the limits of Afghanistan as a terrorist hub, and why some regional actors now view engagement with the Taliban as a pragmatic risk-containment strategy rather than an endorsement of their rule. The conversation also addresses the devastating human consequences of Taliban governance, with a particular focus on what the United Nations has described as gender apartheid. Emily explains how the systematic exclusion of women and girls from education, healthcare, and public life undermines long-term stability, peacebuilding, and state legitimacy -and why inclusive governance remains essential for durable security. Finally, they explore the role of the international community in Afghanistan’s future, unpacking Western withdrawal, moral trade-offs around humanitarian aid, Russia’s decision to recognise the Taliban, and the lessons policymakers must learn from past hypocrisy, warlord politics, and missed opportunities for inclusive peace. Emily Winterbotham is the Director of Terrorism and Conflict Studies at RUSI, where she leads work across London, Brussels, and Nairobi on terrorism, counterterrorism, peacebuilding, and fragile states, with a particular focus on Asia, especially Afghanistan and Pakistan. For over 15 years, she has combined desk research and field postings in international policy environments, including a decade working on conflict in Afghanistan. Between 2009 and 2015, she operated in Afghanistan and Pakistan and conducted community-based qualitative work for the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit, studying conflict resolution, reconciliation, and pathways for demobilising and reintegrating former Taliban fighters. She also serves as a Deployable Civilian Expert for the UK Government’s Stabilisation Unit. Emily is co-author of Countering Violent Extremism: Making Gender Matter (2020) and Conflict, Violent Extremism and Development: New Challenges, New Responses (2018), and her CVE research addresses the concept of gendered radicalisation and how counter-extremism programs can better integrate gender perspectives. The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter. The International Risk Podcast is sponsored by Conducttr, a realistic crisis exercise platform. Conducttr offers crisis exercising software for corporates, consultants, humanitarian, and defence & security clients. Visit Conducttr to learn more. Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner Tell us what you liked!
