In an interview with AVA News Agency, political expert Jalal Ahmadi emphasized that these protests not only have a historical background, but also reflect a structural gap between public opinion and the foreign policies of Western governments, and in the long term, they can affect political legitimacy and major decision-making.
Publish dateSunday 5 April 2026 - 09:02
Story Code : 349916
Afghan Voice Agency (AVA)-Kabul: Referring to the historical background of anti-war movements, Ahmadi said that these protests, from World War I to the Iraq War in 2003 and recent developments, have always been a reaction to the interventionist policies of the West, but at the same time they are rooted in deep political and social crises.
According to him, one of the most important factors in the formation of these movements is the "crisis of legitimacy" and the gap between governments and nations in the field of foreign policy; War decisions made without the support of public opinion have provided a platform for the spread of protests.
Referring to the role of universities, Ahmadi added: Academic institutions and the younger generation have always been the driving force behind anti-war protests, and from the student movements of the 1960s to the recent protests, this role has continued.
He also pointed to the formation of cross-party coalitions and said: The presence of different political spectrums, from leftist groups to veterans and some conservative movements, indicates the depth of dissatisfaction with war policies in Western societies.
Ahmadi added that anti-war movements are usually linked to other justice-seeking movements such as the fight against racism, support for civil rights and environmental protection, which has expanded their scope and influence.
He also criticized the role of the “military-industrial complex” and the interests of arms companies in perpetuating the wars, saying that many protesters believe that the wars serve the economic interests of these companies more than national security.
In another part of the conversation, Ahmadi explained the historical background or public distrust of the movements: These movements are a combination of both; they are rooted in history and reflect a chronic gap between people and governments in foreign policy.
Regarding the role of the media, he also said: Western mainstream media often cover these protests selectively, while social networks and independent media have compensated for this limitation to some extent.
In response to the impact of protests on government decision-making, Ahmadi emphasized: Historical experience shows that popular protests rarely prevent war in the short term, but in the long term they can influence policies by increasing political costs and changing public opinion.
He noted that anti-war protests, although not capable of stopping wars immediately, act as an important factor in undermining the political legitimacy of governments and creating pressure to reconsider foreign policies; a trend that, if continued, could change the course of political developments.
According to him, one of the most important factors in the formation of these movements is the "crisis of legitimacy" and the gap between governments and nations in the field of foreign policy; War decisions made without the support of public opinion have provided a platform for the spread of protests.
Referring to the role of universities, Ahmadi added: Academic institutions and the younger generation have always been the driving force behind anti-war protests, and from the student movements of the 1960s to the recent protests, this role has continued.
He also pointed to the formation of cross-party coalitions and said: The presence of different political spectrums, from leftist groups to veterans and some conservative movements, indicates the depth of dissatisfaction with war policies in Western societies.
Ahmadi added that anti-war movements are usually linked to other justice-seeking movements such as the fight against racism, support for civil rights and environmental protection, which has expanded their scope and influence.
He also criticized the role of the “military-industrial complex” and the interests of arms companies in perpetuating the wars, saying that many protesters believe that the wars serve the economic interests of these companies more than national security.
In another part of the conversation, Ahmadi explained the historical background or public distrust of the movements: These movements are a combination of both; they are rooted in history and reflect a chronic gap between people and governments in foreign policy.
Regarding the role of the media, he also said: Western mainstream media often cover these protests selectively, while social networks and independent media have compensated for this limitation to some extent.
In response to the impact of protests on government decision-making, Ahmadi emphasized: Historical experience shows that popular protests rarely prevent war in the short term, but in the long term they can influence policies by increasing political costs and changing public opinion.
He noted that anti-war protests, although not capable of stopping wars immediately, act as an important factor in undermining the political legitimacy of governments and creating pressure to reconsider foreign policies; a trend that, if continued, could change the course of political developments.
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