ABSTRACT

This book, by one of the most experienced authorities on the subject, presents a deep analysis of the very difficult current situation in Afghanistan. Covering a wide range of important subjects including state-building, democracy, war, the rule of law, and international relations, the book draws out two overarching key factors: the way in which the prevailing neopatrimonial political order has become entrenched, making it very difficult for any other political order to take root; and the hostile region in which Afghanistan is located, especially the way in which an ongoing ‘creeping invasion’ from Pakistani territory has compromised the aspirations of both the Afghan government and its international backers to move the country to a more stable position.

chapter 1|11 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|16 pages

The unravelling of Afghanistan

part 1|58 pages

Statebuilding and reconstruction

chapter 3|22 pages

Statebuilding

30Challenges and pathologies

chapter 4|18 pages

Political development

Mass, elite, and institutional dimensions

chapter 5|17 pages

Reconstruction

A critical assessment

part 2|40 pages

Democracy and elections

chapter 6|18 pages

Democracy and legitimation

88Challenges in the reconstitution of political processes

chapter 7|21 pages

Afghan elections

From the sublime to the ridiculous?

part 3|40 pages

Law and human rights

chapter 8|19 pages

The rule of law and the weight of politics

128Challenges and trajectories

chapter 9|20 pages

Human rights in Afghanistan

part 4|74 pages

War

chapter 10|19 pages

Surviving in a war zone

168The problem of civilian casualties

chapter 11|18 pages

Pakistan–Afghanistan relations

chapter 12|18 pages

US–Afghanistan relations

chapter 13|18 pages

Talking to the Taliban

part 5|14 pages

Conclusion

chapter 14|13 pages

Alternative futures for Afghanistan