Chapter 1. Problems of nation-building in Afghanistan. Before and after the last Taliban’s takeover -- Chapter 2. Waves of Institutionalization in Afghanistan. From the 20th century to the present days -- Chapter 3. History of political movements, political parties and organizations in Afghanistan -- Chapter 4. The Role of Civil Society in the construction of an Afghan Democracy -- Chapter 5. International intervention in Afghanistan: Too many strategies and lack of courage for a real democracy -- Chapter 6. NATO’s Rise as a Global Security & Peace Actor -- Chapter 7. The Reform of the Afghan National Army: From the Light Footprint Approach to the ANA-Territorial Force -- Chapter 8. Opium as a source of insecurity in Afghanistan -- Chapter 9. The Afghanistan 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: a missed opportunity -- Chapter 10. The capacity of Afghanistan Economy, Agriculture Sector and Essential Future Contrivances -- Chapter 11. Benefits of Inter-Regional Cooperation and Regional Development -- Chapter 12. The Role of Afghanistan in Central Asia -- Chapter 13. Analysis Of Afghanistan´s Health Status and Strategies for the Future -- Chapter 14. Situation of Afghan Women at the end of International Intervention -- Chapter 15. Women and Social Participation: Challenges, Outcomes and Lost Opportunities -- Chapter 16. The Afghan War and its Expectations of Peace -- Chapter 17. The Role of Afghanistan in the Relationship between India and Iran along the last two decades -- Chapter 18. Iran and Afghanistan -- Chapter 19. Iran’s Involvement in Afghanistan from 2001 onwards -- Chapter 20. China and Afghanistan relations: Between suspicion and pragmatism -- Chapter 21. The inextricable and long braid of the Durand Line -- CONCLUSIONS.

This edited volume provides a multidisciplinary analysis of the failure of democratic state building in Afghanistan. Encompassing insights from diverse perspectives and different theoretical viewpoints—most importantly, those of Afghan nationals—the chapters address complex issues, including the extent of global hegemonic power, the efficacy of nation-building strategies, the clash between modernization and cultural legacies, and the intricate task of establishing enduring institutions amid pervasive clientelist networks. The volume is divided into sections addressing a key aspect of the situation: state institutions and society; insecurity and corruption; social and economic development; women’s rights. Drawing crucial lessons from a turbulent past to inform and guide future endeavors towards a stable, prosperous Afghanistan, this volume will be of interest to researchers and students of Middle East politics, peace and conflict studies, security studies, development, history, and sociology.