Abstract

Afghanistan has historically been characterized by weak state power in dynamic tension with a strong (but fragmented) society. Its population is composed of various ethnic, tribal, linguistic, cultural, and religious groups forming distinct micro-societies, with most of them having extensive cross-border ties with Afghanistan’s neighbours. These social and cultural divisions have traditionally played a critical role in attempts to create national unity and institutionalized processes of statebuilding in the country. Although the turbulence of the past thirty-seven years has profoundly affected Afghanistan, the country’s micro-societies have remained salient in shaping Afghan politics and society.