How Political Exclusion of the Public Has Contributed to Afghanistan’s Political Instability

Abstract

The history of Afghanistan shows a constant cycle of political exclusion, where monarchs, warlords, and foreign-backed leaders have always made the political decisions. Meanwhile, the general population has never had actual chances of political participation. This study examines how the exclusion of common Afghan people from power has contributed to the long-term political instability in Afghanistan. This study examines how the governance of elites has continued in Afghanistan, even as the country appeared to experience some political reforms. It follows this course from the monarchy to the current Taliban regime. The study also shows how foreign intervention, ethnic division, and institutional weaknesses have helped deepen the existing exclusion in the political system. Based on historical analysis and comparative case studies, this paper suggests decentralization of power, civic education, and reconciliation as the prerequisites for constructing a more inclusive political system in Afghanistan. Methodologically, this study uses a historical-qualitative approach combining archival analysis, primary political texts, and recent comparative case studies. Key findings show that the dominance of elites, the complicity of foreign actors, and weak civic education have deepened political exclusion. The study emphasizes the necessity of decentralization, civic education, and grassroots reconciliation to develop inclusive governance.