American Paradox in Afghanistan: Fragmented Identity and Shared Sovereignty

Afghanistan has exhibited two conspicuous characteristics during its modern history. Governments in Kabul have failed to achieve comprehensive penetration in the society in order to influence all aspects of life. European and Western powers have been unable to bring Afghanistan and its people under their unchallenged control during the past three centuries. For sure, plenty of different domestic and international factors emerge as the explanatory proof of these two realities. But, considering this quality of life in all its dimensions throughout Afghanistan, two justifications stand out to be more prominent and reputable. The main question of the article points to why leaders in Kabul and invading European and Western countries have shown such great inability to establish their congenial order throughout the country from 1747 to the present. On the other hand, they have been incapable to regulate social relationships in accordance with their preferred value system. In view of the two dominant governing characteristics of Afghanistan, the article’s hypothesis posits that the presence of fragmented identities (lack of national identity) and presence of shared sovereignty (multiple power centers) are major determining factors in the failure of Afghanistan's leaders and invading countries to establish their desired order and to regulate the preferable social relationships.