The Impact of Afghanistan's Multinational Society on its Political Structure in the Past Two Decades

Abstract

Afghanistan has been recognized as a multi-ethnic country where different ethnicities coexist. The political structures in Afghanistan have historically been influenced by ethnicity, although few countries in the world exhibit such a complex ethnic fabric. Today, ethnic diversity is not only considered a challenge but also a symbol of cultural pluralism. After 2001, when the political structure of Afghanistan was enshrined in the constitution based on modern values, it was an opportune moment for political elites to overcome historical mistakes and adhere to these values. However, ethnicity and ethnic values were regarded as superior and more entrenched than the new values. The main question is: How has the multi-ethnic society in Afghanistan influenced the political structure in the past two decades? Apparently, Afghanistan's multi-ethnic society has had a negative impact on the implementation of the country's political structure in recent decades. The research aims to investigate how the role of the multi-ethnic society has influenced Afghanistan's political structure in recent decades and how much the convergence and divergence of political elites have been affected by ethnic backgrounds. This article utilizes analytical-descriptive methods and relies on library resources, scientific journals, and reputable articles. The findings indicate that the multi-ethnic society has had a negative impact on the implementation of the political structure based on democratic values, and the ethnic attitudes towards politics failed to manifest a tangible and profound realization within the constitutional framework.