Political Geography: Afghanistan / Topic: State Building

Author:: Sarah Parkinson
Publication Date:: 11-2010
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU)
Abstract:: Afghanistan has been in “state-building” mode since 2001, and formal policymaking has been an important tool for focusing and coordinating the efforts of the Afghan government and its international supporters. This synthesis paper considers the role that high-level policymaking has actually played, through a comparative analysis of five different recent examples of policymaking including the drafting of the Afghan National Development Strategy and the controversial Shiite personal status law. It highlights both the high level of donor influence on shaping policy, and the limited effectiveness of policies themselves.
Topic:: Development, Nationalism, Governance, State Building, and Domestic Policy
Political Geography:: Afghanistan and Middle East

Author:: Martine Van Bijlert
Publication Date:: 05-2009
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU)
Abstract:: Over the years the calls for improved governance in Afghanistan have become increasingly urgent. Understanding the various ways in which governors and district governors are appointed, and the different influences that affect the process, is important if ways are to be found to improve overall governance in Afghanistan. This new discussion paper from AREU explores this issue, examining existing appointment practices and suggesting a number of ways that the process could be improved, along with the shifts in emphasis needed to make them happen.
Topic:: Governance, Leadership, State Formation, and State Building
Political Geography:: Afghanistan and Middle East

Author:: Hamish Nixon
Publication Date:: 04-2008
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU)
Abstract:: Since 2004, the Afghan government and its international partners have become increasingly aware that issues and challenges surrounding subnational governance in Afghanistan are crucial to national development, stability, and security. This period has also been a time of extraordinary change in subnational governance structures, with the election of Provincial Councils, the establishment of Provincial Development Committees (PDCs), increases in Public Administrative Reform (PAR) efforts, and the expansion of the National Solidarity Programme (NSP) into a large number of communities. To assess these changes, AREU conducted extensive field and policy research on subnational governance beginning in April 2005. This synthesis paper identifies and analyses key issues affecting state-building interventions at subnational levels, and their implications for current and future governance programming.
Topic:: Nationalism, Governance, State Building, and Subnationalism
Political Geography:: Afghanistan and Middle East

Author:: Hamish Nixon
Publication Date:: 04-2007
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU)
Abstract:: This briefing paper explores the relationship between foreign aid, statebuilding and the crisis currently facing Afghanistan. It analyses the effects of assistance to date, and presents a series of recommendations for future action by the Afghan government and donors.
Topic:: Foreign Aid, Governance, Crisis Management, and State Building
Political Geography:: Afghanistan and Middle East

Author:: Sarah Lister
Publication Date:: 03-2005
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU)
Abstract:: In the context of a lack of strategic consensus, this briefing paper lays out the main issues around the structures and processes of local governance, particularly in relation to the role of provincial and district councils.
Topic:: Governance, Local, State Building, Community, and Strategic Stability
Political Geography:: Afghanistan and Middle East

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