Research Papers


An Inquiry into Taliban Theology: Deobandism with a Pashtunwali Flavor

 Friday, February 23, 2024
Foreword The resurgence of the Taliban to power in August 2021 plunged the world into profound shock and consternation. particularly the citizens of Afghanistan paid dearly for this horrifying occurrence, which left them with a bitter taste, enveloping them in widespread fear and indescribable horror. Many of them recalled the bloodshed, violence, brutality, and the T...

Typology of Active Political Trend at the Universities

 Tuesday, February 07, 2023
The Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies launched its research 'Typology of Active Political Trend at the Universities'. The research was launched via live discussion with researchers, Ramin Kamangar and Shahir Sirat, and critics of the research Dr Malik Sitez and Professor Nazif Shahrani and moderation by Sabera Aitabar

Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Impact of COVID-19 in Afghanistan

 Tuesday, June 01, 2021
“Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Impact of COVID-19  in Afghanistan” is a recent study by the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies. The aim of this nationwide survey was to determine the level of knowledge, awareness, practice, attitudes, and behavioral practices of the population in Afghanistan about COVID-19 and also the impact of the disease on the health and socio-economic dimensions of...

An Assessment of the Possibility of Producing Consensus within the Parliamentary & Decentralized System of Democracy in Afghanistan

 Saturday, May 01, 2021
In this paper, the central question is how to navigate compromises and reach an agreement on a peace settlement with the Taliban within the constitutional framework of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan? Although this paper focuses on a post-peace political system in Afghanistan, parts can be used for an interim and transitional period to build a political consensus in the country.

Democracy Denied: The False Promise of Afghanistan’s Constitutional Order

 Thursday, April 01, 2021
Democracy in Afghanistan has not lived up to its potential because it was never given a chance to thrive. The blame for this is not to be found in its citizens, its flourishing civil society, or in its vibrant media. It has been limited for two main reasons. 

Education and Politics: The Roots of Religious Radicalism in Afghanistan’s School Curricula

 Wednesday, July 01, 2020
"Education and Politics: The Roots of Religious Radicalism: In Afghanistan’s School" is a  research paper by the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies. This research paper aims to deconstruct and analyze the ways that religious radicalism effects the Farsi-Dari curriculum in schools across Afghanistan by devising research methods and conducting field research on how education relates to politi...

A Constitutional Reckoning with The Taliban’s Brand of Islamist Politics: The Hard Path Ahead

 Thursday, April 01, 2021
“A Constitutional Reckoning with The Taliban’s Brand of Islamist Politics: The Hard Path Ahead” is a recent research paper by the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies. This research investigates the Taliban’s views on the relation between state law and Fiqh, and the legislative power by examining three documents with credible links to the Taliban in the context of Afghanistan’s constitutional...

Herat Women: The Status and Empowerment of Women in Family and Public

 Monday, March 01, 2021
"Herat Women: The Status and Empowerment of Women in Family and Public" is a recent study by the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies. This paper aims to reflect on the status of women in Herat and their empowerment, especially their economic empowerment, their involvement in labor force, challenges to their participation, women’s education and violence against them.

Herat Urban Development: The Role of Public Participation in Social Development and Herat Urban Security

 Monday, February 01, 2021
"Herat Urban Development: The Role of Public Participation in Social Development and Herat Urban Security" is a recent study by the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies. It is conducted by AISS`s fellow researcher, Dr. Seyed Jalaluddin Faraji. He analyzes political participation, cultural participation, economic participation and psychological participation and in general the role of people i...

The Republic and Its Enemies: The Status of the Republic in Afghanistan

 Friday, January 01, 2021
This study analyzes the western political theory of the republic; Conceptualizing "Islamic Republic"; a long walk to constitutionalism and republic; the vicious republic; the constraints of the constitution: the rule of law, principle of the separation and balance of powers and counter-majoritarianism; and the causes of the vicious republic. In other words, the study highlights the difference b...