U.S. Government Initiatives in Afghanistan

This work applies the diffusion of innovations theory in the analysis of the USG's governance and development efforts in Afghanistan to determine if the key elements of the theory are present. This study further examines if, when present, these elements correlate with the Afghans' increased adoption of the programs. Where the positive elements of diffusion of innovations are found in USG governance and development efforts, those efforts should be more successful. Diffusion of innovations is a multi-disciplinary theory conceptualized by Communication Professor, Everett Rogers. Diffusion of innovations is widely accepted in academia. In the past, scholars have used the theory in Cultural Geography, Communication, Anthropology and Rural Sociology, among other disciplines. This monograph employs a case study methodology examining USG programs in Afghanistan, their effects on the Afghan people and the Afghan people's use of these programs. Evidence suggests Afghans are not fully adopting USG initiatives and programs.