Afghanistan under the Taliban: Pasts and Anticipations explores the country’s turbulent trajectory in the aftermath of the US withdrawal and the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Situating contemporary developments within Afghanistan’s long history of regime change, it examines the Taliban’s consolidation of power, their governance challenges, and the shifting dynamics of the region. The book provides a detailed analysis of Afghanistan’s relations with the neighbouring countries, highlighting the complex interplay of history, geopolitics, and security concerns. Combining historical reflection with assessments of present realities and future possibilities, it sheds light on the factors that may shape Afghanistan’s path ahead. As one of the first comprehensive studies of Afghanistan’s recent transformation authored by a regional scholar, it provides nuanced perspectives on the Taliban’s resurgence and its broader implications for Afghanistan and the region.