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A very good thread.
Although it runs counter to the "rentier state" narrative built by Kate Clark arguing that nation building failed because of too many actors with access to "rent". https://twitter.com/jmurtazashvili/status/1285652291291316226
Although it runs counter to the "rentier state" narrative built by Kate Clark arguing that nation building failed because of too many actors with access to "rent". https://twitter.com/jmurtazashvili/status/1285652291291316226
Some very interesting ideas on reforming the state structure in a post peace-settlement context. https://www.mercatus.org/bridge/commentary/defund-afghanistan
As this debate has generated quite the response, I would like to add the diverse views in a single thread. https://twitter.com/Afghan_Policy/status/1285807195422994432
Here, Barnett explains how historically, external geopolitical factors played an important role in the drive to 'centralise' the state structure. https://twitter.com/BRRubin/status/1285811056653279232
Thomas weighs in, arguing that Afghanistan's woes are fundamentally related to governance rather than decentralisation as such. https://twitter.com/thruttig/status/1285866101281366018
Here, Jen adds some clarity and context to the argument. https://twitter.com/jmurtazashvili/status/1285892868545171457
And here, @MohammadQadamsh - the other co-author, adds an important summary. https://twitter.com/MohammadQadamsh/status/1285946198231310338
Here, Kawun reflects on the difference between theory and practice in democracy.
I should, add, we see examples of highly centralised and unitary democracies around the world. So centralisation and democracy are by no means mutually exclusive. https://twitter.com/KawunK/status/1285925402460946432
I should, add, we see examples of highly centralised and unitary democracies around the world. So centralisation and democracy are by no means mutually exclusive. https://twitter.com/KawunK/status/1285925402460946432
Here, Haroun, ponders on the propensity of Afghans to resort to informal institutions.
But are the resort to informal institutions a cause or symptom of a weak state? https://twitter.com/harounrahimi1/status/1285793836581769216
But are the resort to informal institutions a cause or symptom of a weak state? https://twitter.com/harounrahimi1/status/1285793836581769216
While researchers have weighed in on decentralisation and centralisation, we don't know which system ordinary Afghans prefer.
Two quantitative studies have borne opposite results thus far. https://twitter.com/MohammadQadamsh/status/1285952961353588736
Two quantitative studies have borne opposite results thus far. https://twitter.com/MohammadQadamsh/status/1285952961353588736
Also pertinent to ask: which way are the major political actors and parties in Afghanistan inclined?
Centralisation Supporters:
Pres Ghani seems to support centralisation.
This position generally tends to be favoured by Pashtuns of various ilk, although no clear consensus.
Centralisation Supporters:
Pres Ghani seems to support centralisation.
This position generally tends to be favoured by Pashtuns of various ilk, although no clear consensus.
Decentralisation Supporters:
Dr Abdullah has expressed strong support for decentralisation.
Many political actors from Tajik, Hazara and Uzbek also generally support decentralisation. Again, no clear cut support.
Dr Abdullah has expressed strong support for decentralisation.
Many political actors from Tajik, Hazara and Uzbek also generally support decentralisation. Again, no clear cut support.
Taliban have not taken a clear stance on this issue. Their shadow govt is highly centralised and centralisation is aligned with their concept of Emarate and Khiayarat ul Amir.
However, will they be willing to compromise on this in exchange for stake in power remains to be seen.
However, will they be willing to compromise on this in exchange for stake in power remains to be seen.
Important to bear in mind, debates on centralisation/decentralisation are generally supported/coloured by which party Afghans support or which ethnicity/tribe they associate with rather than an assessment of the merits themselves.
Needs to be said! https://twitter.com/TheZiafat/status/1285960290727854081
Needs to be said! https://twitter.com/TheZiafat/status/1285960290727854081
For too long, researchers have simply analysed the 'state' from a western perspective, claiming that anything that doesn't replicate the western European model, can't rightly be considered a state.
Can it be constructed/analysed using local models? https://twitter.com/ArmanGhuncha/status/1285997872081768448
Can it be constructed/analysed using local models? https://twitter.com/ArmanGhuncha/status/1285997872081768448
