Democracy in Afghanistan: The Golden Era of Reform and the Roots of Modern Conflict Contributor(s): Jalali, Bahar (Author) |
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ISBN: 1784538280 ISBN-13: 9781784538286 Publisher: I. B. Tauris & Company OUR PRICE: $90.25 Product Type: Hardcover Published: March 2026 This item may be ordered no more than 25 days prior to its publication date of March 19, 2026 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - History | Asia - Central Asia - Political Science | Political Ideologies - Democracy - History | Military - Afghan War (2001-) |
Series: International Library of Central Asian Studies |
Physical Information: 336 pages |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: The decade of democratic reforms in Afghanistan, 1963-1973, is often viewed as a 'golden era' of stability and progress. Bahar Jalali demonstrates, however, that the roots of Afghanistan's turbulent recent history can be traced back to precisely this period. It was at this time that the swift implementation - and ultimately failure - of progressive reforms gave rise to extremist ideologies that would go on to become politically dominant over the next three decades. The initial promise of liberalisation and modernisation in 1963 quickly unravelled in the face of inter-elite competition, factions within the royal family, practical paradoxes in the constitution and the growth of oppositional movements (namely communists and Islamists) out of sync with the state's rhetoric. By tracking this period in detail for the first time, Jalali establishes exactly why the last three decades of conflict in Afghanistan can be said to have their roots in this formative period, and demonstrates the importance of recognising this today. |