In the summer of 2021, the Taliban began a rapid military offensive that resulted in the takeover of multiple provincial capitals across Afghanistan, leading to growing concerns about the future of the Afghan government. On August 15, this offensive reached its climax when the Taliban entered Kabul, facing little resistance. President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan to avoid what many feared would become a violent takeover, leaving the city and government in disarray. In the wake of his departure, thousands of Afghans and foreign nationals rushed to Hamid Karzai International Airport in frantic attempts to leave the country. Images of desperate crowds clinging to departing planes dominated news coverage, symbolizing the urgency and panic of the moment.

The fall of Kabul effectively marked the end of the Afghan Republic, which had been established in 2001 following the U.S.-led invasion that deposed the Taliban. The international community watched closely as the Taliban proclaimed the reestablishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The takeover raised significant questions about human rights, particularly for women and girls, who had gained various freedoms over the preceding two decades. The new regime's approach to governance and international relations became a central focus for foreign nations evaluating their response to the Taliban's return.

Globally, the event signified a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding nation-building efforts in Afghanistan and the challenges faced by governments in managing rapid shifts in power dynamics. Subsequently, the Taliban sought recognition and legitimacy on the world stage, while many Afghans faced a precarious future under the new regime. The ensuing humanitarian crisis prompted urgent discussions about aid, refugee resettlement, and international policy regarding Afghanistan.