Review of Afghanistan developments
A crucial element for the effective operation of any system is the presence of social trust within society. This trust serves as the cornerstone of robust legal frameworks, facilitating engagement and collaboration across economic, social, political, and cultural domains, ultimately fostering cohesion and solidarity among individuals. Each society, along with its governing system, comprises various components, each serving a distinct purpose, and collectively, they aim to fulfill the objectives of governance. Should any of these components fail to operate effectively, the system may either undermine itself or, at the very least, experience dysfunction.
Social trust is viewed as a vital prerequisite for the economic, social, cultural, and political development of any society. Therefore, the lack of social trust can present serious obstacles for the community. This intricate and multidimensional phenomenon can have various origins, each of which significantly impacts social cohesion and the effectiveness of governmental institutions.
Crisis of social trust
One of the primary and major obstacles to political progress and development in Afghanistan is the deterioration of social trust in the government and its institutions. This lack of social trust, particularly as citizens face ongoing security, social, and economic challenges, has hindered their engagement in political and social activities, ultimately posing a substantial impediment to fostering empathy and collaboration with the government.
In the context of Afghanistan after 2021, although there have been commendable achievements and changes, social trust has not received the necessary attention. Several government initiatives, which will be examined in detail below, have profoundly eroded social trust, and the resulting consequences are also outlined.
Social disparities and ethnic tensions
The social dynamics in Afghanistan are profoundly affected by ethnic and tribal identities, which are significant contributors to social inequality. When power is predominantly wielded by particular groups within society and ethnic interests overshadow national interests, the feelings of injustice and discrimination among various ethnic communities, notably minorities, are heightened.
The Taliban has frequently directed its attention primarily towards the Pashtun demographic, especially concerning the allocation of resources, job prospects, and governmental appointments. This focus has resulted in a growing sense of distrust and dissatisfaction among the country’s various ethnic groups, particularly the Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks, regarding the Taliban’s policies. When members of society believe that resources and opportunities are being distributed in an unjust manner, it cultivates feelings of discrimination. Such inequalities not only compromise social trust but also deter individuals from engaging in social and political activities. The persistence of social inequalities has deepened class and ethnic divides, ultimately weakening social solidarity and creating significant fractures within society.
Appointment assigned based on group affiliation
After reestablishing its control, the Taliban government has predominantly relied on its own members to fill both major and minor positions within its administration. The principles of merit and competence have been largely sidelined, with affiliation to the Taliban becoming the key determinant for appointments. While the short-term effects may not be immediately visible due to oversight and initiatives aimed at providing superior services compared to the former government, the inefficiency of the appointed officials and the growing sense of disconnection among the citizens will likely become apparent in the medium term, particularly in remote areas. This situation will inevitably lead to a critical evaluation of government institutions, resulting in a substantial decline in social trust and an increase in societal distrust.
Encroachment on personal freedoms
Violations of human rights are a significant contributor to the development of social distrust in any society. A clear illustration of this is the extensive violation of women’s rights, particularly their exclusion from education and employment under the Taliban government. Moreover, other fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of speech and freedom of the press, have been rigorously suppressed. As a result, many individuals perceive the Taliban government as one that disregards the rights of its citizens. Any threats or suppression of fundamental rights, including those of religious minorities, women’s rights, and various political and social freedoms, can engender a climate of distrust within society. When individuals are unable to fully exercise their basic rights, their trust in the governing authority is significantly eroded.
An absence of transparency and accountability
The absence of transparency in the formulation of policies, coupled with the lack of a crucial reference point such as the constitution, has resulted in significant uncertainty among the populace. Presently, political and economic decisions are predominantly made in secrecy, particularly in Kandahar, where engagement with decision-makers is severely restricted. When citizens are not adequately informed about government policies, programs, and priorities, it fosters an environment of mistrust and skepticism. This deficiency in transparency can give rise to speculation, undermine social trust, and engender doubts regarding the government’s intentions and objectives.
Economic crises and unemployment
Since the Taliban’s takeover, the Afghan economy has plunged into a deep crisis. While there are substantial economic projects underway that are progressing at an accelerated pace compared to previous efforts, these initiatives have not succeeded in fostering sustainable economic stability. The situation has led to heightened economic challenges and increased unemployment, particularly affecting the younger and more educated demographics, thereby engendering a widespread feeling of economic uncertainty.
This situation accentuates the government’s inadequacy in offering economic services and facilitating job opportunities for the populace, which negatively influences social participation and trust. In such an environment, individuals are likely to shy away from engaging in social processes, leaning instead towards individualistic tendencies, with immigration eing one of the significant outcomes.
Quick alterations in social and cultural frameworks
Since the Taliban regained control, Afghanistan has witnessed notable cultural and social upheavals. The Taliban have enforced strict regulations and their own version of Islamic law, leading to significant changes in the way people live. These changes include harsh restrictions on women, an outright ban on girls’ education, and various social limitations affecting numerous aspects of life.
The alterations that have taken place have instigated confusion and a lack of trust in the newly formed political and social systems, especially among the youth and those with higher education. Numerous individuals, particularly in urban settings, feel that the changes have occurred abruptly, resulting in a sense of being unable to progress or take part in social and political processes. The swift nature of social change may evoke feelings of instability and a lack of power, leading individuals to perceive themselves as having no role in shaping their futures. Under such conditions, distrust may grow, and individuals might choose to withdraw from social interactions.
Conclusion
Damage to social trust in Afghanistan constitutes a significant obstacle to the political and social development of the nation. The ineffectiveness of public policies and regulatory systems leads to various negative repercussions, including a decline in social solidarity, the emergence of detrimental competition, reduced participation of citizens in social and political processes, weakened civil institutions, an uptick in criminal activities and offenses, arbitrary and illegal actions, a pervasive sense of deprivation, and an increase in disorder and insecurity within society.
In this context, we find ourselves in an isolated community where individuals lack both agency and activism. They reside outside the realm of social dynamics or hoping for change to occur, whether through internal mechanisms or external forces. These current attributes are a grave warning of the rising social challenges and indicate a significant decline in the trajectory of development and construction in Afghanistan.
The Taliban government, having successfully established a cohesive government in Afghanistan following years of fragmentation and the dissolution of various power centers, has the opportunity to proactively tackle the issues of social distrust and foster public confidence in its governance. Achieving this will necessitate the overcoming of certain narrow viewpoints and limited perspectives.
