Abstract
Author(s): Barfield, Thomas | Abstract: The analysis of political organization in Afghanistan is clouded by a number of myths (unconquerable, ungovernabale and graveyard of empires) that are contradicted by the facts. Historically Afghanistan was peacefully governed by a wide variety of conquerors and native dynasties, but all used combinations of direct and indirect rule to create stable polities. They also relied on theories of political legitimacy that vested authority in ruling elites that, once established, returned to power after periods of disruption to bring order to the country. This pattern of successful governance has been overlooked in rebuilding Afghanistan today to the detrement of political stability.
Highlights
The analysis of political organization in Afghanistan is clouded by a number of myths that are contradicted by the facts
Afghanistan was peacefully governed by a wide variety of conquerors and native dynasties, but all used combinations of direct and indirect rule to create stable polities
They relied on theories of political legitimacy that vested authority in ruling elites that, once established, returned to power after periods of disruption to bring order to the country. This pattern of successful governance has been overlooked in rebuilding Afghanistan today to the detriment of political stability
Summary
The analysis of political organization in Afghanistan is clouded by a number of myths (unconquerable, ungovernable and graveyard of empires) that are contradicted by the facts. Afghanistan was peacefully governed by a wide variety of conquerors and native dynasties, but all used combinations of direct and indirect rule to create stable polities. They relied on theories of political legitimacy that vested authority in ruling elites that, once established, returned to power after periods of disruption to bring order to the country. This pattern of successful governance has been overlooked in rebuilding Afghanistan today to the detriment of political stability
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Cliodynamics: The Journal of Quantitative History and Cultural Evolution
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
