Diplomatic Engagements with the Taliban: The Case of Norway

Norway’s approach to the Taliban differs markedly from those of other European countries. Heavily invested in facilitating peace talks since at least 2007, Norway has continued to cultivate relations with the Taliban after they took power in 2021. In 2022, its attempt to kickstart dialogue between the Taliban and international actors by flying the former to Oslo in a private plane generated international headlines, but little substantial results. Nonetheless, Norway has maintained that engagement with the Taliban is the best way to support Afghan women and girls, and have, unlike most European countries not voiced support for ongoing processes to hold the Taliban responsible under international law for their gender discrimination. This paper explores the arguments that Norway uses to justify its approach. It argues that Norway relies upon a sharp distinction between Afghan women inside and outside the country, intentional rather than consequentialist ethics when it comes to diplomatic engagement, and an overall approach to the Taliban that foregrounds incentives and sees accountability as ineffective, in sharp contrast to Norway’s approaches to international law elsewhere.