Ethnic Politics in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a multiethnic country characterized by a diverse array of social, linguistic, cultural, and tribal communities.^[1]^[16]EnglishAfghanistan is a multiethnic country characterized by a diverse array of social, linguistic, cultural, and tribal communities.دریافغانستان یک کشور چند قومی است که با مجموعه متنوعی از جوامع اجتماعی، زبانی، فرهنگی و قبیله ای مشخص می شود. The formal categorization of ethnicity is a relatively recent development, emerging primarily in the 20th century and gaining significant political weight during the conflicts that began in the 1970s.^[1]EnglishThe formal categorization of ethnicity is a relatively recent development, emerging primarily in the 20th century and gaining significant political weight during the conflicts that began in the 1970s.دریطبقه بندی رسمی قومیت یک پیشرفت نسبتاً اخیر است، که عمدتاً در قرن بیستم ظهور کرد و وزن سیاسی قابل توجهی در جریان درگیری هایی که در دهه ۱۹۷۰ آغاز شد، به دست آورد. While the country is home to numerous groups, the boundaries between these communities remain fluid, as identities are often shaped by the intersection of language, regional affiliation, urban or rural residence, and religious identification.^[1]EnglishWhile the country is home to numerous groups, the boundaries between these communities remain fluid, as identities are often shaped by the intersection of language, regional affiliation, urban or rural residence, and religious identification.دریدر حالیکه این کشور خانه گروه های متعدد است، مرزهای بین این جوامع همچنان جریانی است، زیرا هویت ها اغلب توسط تقاطع زبان، وابستگی منطقه ای، محل سکونت شهری یا روستایی و هویت مذهبی شکل می گیرند. The last ethnic census in Afghanistan was conducted in 1979 and was itself incomplete.^[10]^[15]EnglishThe last ethnic census in Afghanistan was conducted in 1979 and was itself incomplete.دریآخرین سرشماری قومی در افغانستان در سال ۱۹۷۹ انجام شد و خود نامکمل بود.

Origins of Ethnic Categorization

The study of ethnicity in Afghanistan is deeply intertwined with the nation's political power, representation, and social organization.^[1]EnglishThe study of ethnicity in Afghanistan is deeply intertwined with the nation's political power, representation, and social organization.پښتوپه افغانستان کې د قومیت مطالعه د ملت د سیاسي ځواک، استازیتوب، او ټولنیز سازمان سره ژوره اړیکه لري.دریمطالعه قومیت در افغانستان عمیقاً با قدرت سیاسی، نمایندگی و سازمان اجتماعی ملت در هم تنیده شده است. Reliable data regarding the size and distribution of these communities is limited due to decades of conflict, population displacement, and the absence of comprehensive national censuses.^[1]EnglishReliable data regarding the size and distribution of these communities is limited due to decades of conflict, population displacement, and the absence of comprehensive national censuses.پښتود دې ټولنو د اندازې او توزیع په اړه د باور وړ معلومات د لسیزو شخړو، د نفوس بې ځایه کیدو، او د جامع ملي سرشمیرنې نشتوالي له امله محدود دي.دریداده های قابل اعتماد در مورد اندازه و توزیع این جوامع به دلیل دهه های درگیری، جابجایی جمعیت و عدم وجود سرشماری های جامع ملی محدود است.

Historically, the political structure of Afghanistan has been heavily influenced by ethnic politics.^[3]^[4]EnglishHistorically, the political structure of Afghanistan has been heavily influenced by ethnic politics.دریاز نظر تاریخی، ساختار سیاسی افغانستان به شدت تحت تاثیر سیاست های قومی بوده است. Since the country's establishment as an independent state in 1747, the governance framework has frequently relied on a mono-ethnic basis, specifically centered on Pashtun dominance.^[3]^[4]EnglishSince the country's establishment as an independent state in 1747, the governance framework has frequently relied on a mono-ethnic basis, specifically centered on Pashtun dominance.دریاز زمان تاسیس این کشور به عنوان یک دولت مستقل در سال ۱۷۴۷، چارچوب حکومت اغلب بر اساس یک قومیت متکی بوده است که به طور خاص بر تسلط پشتون متمرکز شده است. The Durrani Empire was established in 1747 and united different tribes as well as many other ethnic groups.^[11]EnglishThe Durrani Empire was established in 1747 and united different tribes as well as many other ethnic groups.دریامپراطوری دورانی در سال ۱۷۴۷ تاسیس شد و قبایل مختلف و همچنین بسیاری از گروه های قومی دیگر را متحد کرد. This structure has often avoided the systematic participation of other major ethnic groups, leading to persistent tensions between the governing authorities and the country's mosaic of diverse populations.^[3]^[4]EnglishThis structure has often avoided the systematic participation of other major ethnic groups, leading to persistent tensions between the governing authorities and the country's mosaic of diverse populations.دریاین ساختار اغلب از مشارکت سیستماتیک سایر گروه های قومی اصلی جلوگیری کرده است، که منجر به تنش های مداوم بین مقامات حاکم و موزاییک جمعیت های متنوع کشور شده است.

Ethnicization of Governance

The political landscape of Afghanistan is described as being built upon the axis of ethnic politics.^[3]EnglishThe political landscape of Afghanistan is described as being built upon the axis of ethnic politics.پښتود افغانستان سیاسي منظره د توکمیز سیاست پر محور د جوړېدو په توګه تشریح شوې ده.دریمنظره سیاسی افغانستان بر محور سیاست های قومی ساخته شده است. Rulers have historically employed different models to manage this diversity, ranging from "ethnic homogenization" to "ethnic pluralism," and occasionally attempting a "unity in diversity" approach.^[3]EnglishRulers have historically employed different models to manage this diversity, ranging from "ethnic homogenization" to "ethnic pluralism," and occasionally attempting a "unity in diversity" approach.پښتوواکمنانو په تاریخي ډول د دې تنوع اداره کولو لپاره بیلابیل ماډلونه کارولي دي، چې له "قومي همجنسۍ" څخه تر "قومي پلورالیزم" پورې اړه لري، او کله ناکله د "تنوع کې یووالي" چلند هڅه کوي.دریحاکمان از طریق تاریخ از مدل های مختلف برای مدیریت این تنوع استفاده کرده اند، از "همگن سازی قومی" تا "تعدادی قومی" و گاهی اوقات تلاش برای یک رویکرد "اتحاد در تنوع". However, many scholars argue that these efforts have often been unsuccessful or were implemented "nervously" and without sufficient cohesion.^[3]EnglishHowever, many scholars argue that these efforts have often been unsuccessful or were implemented "nervously" and without sufficient cohesion.پښتوپه هرصورت، ډیری پوهان استدلال کوي چې دا هڅې ډیری وختونه ناکامې وې یا د "عصبي" او کافي پیوستون پرته پلي شوي.دریبا این حال، بسیاری از دانشمندان استدلال می کنند که این تلاش ها اغلب ناموفق بوده اند یا "به طور عصبی" و بدون انسجام کافی اجرا شده اند.

The politicization of ethnicity has evolved through several distinct phases:

Monarchy (Pre-1978): Ethnic dynamics were central to the formation of political alliances and local governance.^[1]
Conflict and War (1978–1992): Foreign interventions were significant factors in exacerbating ethnic divisions and fueling civil war.^[1]^[2]
Civil War and Taliban Rule (1992–2001): Ethnic identity continued to influence militia mobilization and regional control.^[1] Modern leadership has seen a shift where religious leaders, or Mullahs, have supplanted the traditional Pashtun Khans as political power brokers.^[12]
Post-2001 Era: Efforts were made to incorporate political inclusion and ethnic balancing following the United States invasion.^[1] During the Republic period (2001–2021), ethnic leaders representing groups such as the Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks emerged as key political actors.^[13]^[17]

Pashtun Dominance and Political Structure

The influence of Pashtuns has been a defining feature of Afghan governance since the country's founding.^[3]^[4]EnglishThe influence of Pashtuns has been a defining feature of Afghan governance since the country's founding.درینفوذ پشتون ها از زمان تاسیس کشور، یک ویژگی مشخص کننده حکومت افغانستان بوده است. The political structure has often favored a mono-ethnic approach, which has contributed to obstacles in national cohesion and political development.^[3]EnglishThe political structure has often favored a mono-ethnic approach, which has contributed to obstacles in national cohesion and political development.دریساختار سیاسی اغلب یک رویکرد تک قومی را ترجیح داده است که به ایجاد موانع در انسجام ملی و توسعه سیاسی کمک کرده است. This dominance has sometimes been viewed as a result of "ethnocentrism" or "Pashtunism," with critics noting that the ethnic policies of various rulers have often been influenced by external elements and foreign interventions.^[3]EnglishThis dominance has sometimes been viewed as a result of "ethnocentrism" or "Pashtunism," with critics noting that the ethnic policies of various rulers have often been influenced by external elements and foreign interventions.دریاین تسلط بعضی اوقات به عنوان نتیجه " قوم گرایی" یا "پشتونیسم" در نظر گرفته شده است، منتقدین اشاره می کنند که سیاست های قومی حاکمان مختلف اغلب تحت تاثیر عناصر خارجی و مداخله های خارجی بوده است. Early manifestations of Pashtun nationalist sentiment can be traced to the 17th-century warrior-poet Khushal Khan Khattak, who was imprisoned by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for inciting rebellion.^[11]EnglishEarly manifestations of Pashtun nationalist sentiment can be traced to the 17th-century warrior-poet Khushal Khan Khattak, who was imprisoned by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for inciting rebellion.دریظهور اولیه احساسات ناسیونالیستی پشتون ها را می توان به شاعر جنگجو قرن هفدهم خوشال خان ختاک، که توسط امپراطور مغول اورنگزب به دلیل تحریک شورش زندانی شد، ردیابی کرد. Later, Mirwais Hotak led tribes in successful revolts against the Safavids in the city of Kandahar during the early 18th century.^[11]EnglishLater, Mirwais Hotak led tribes in successful revolts against the Safavids in the city of Kandahar during the early 18th century.دریبعداً، میرویس هوتاک قبایل را در شورش های موفق علیه صفویان در شهر قندهار در اوایل قرن ۱۸ رهبری کرد.

Rights and Representation of Minorities

Afghanistan’s diverse population includes major categories such as Tajik and Hazara groups, alongside Uzbek and Aimaq communities.^[1]EnglishAfghanistan’s diverse population includes major categories such as Tajik and Hazara groups, alongside Uzbek and Aimaq communities.پښتود افغانستان متنوع نفوس کې لوی کټګورۍ شامل دي لکه د تاجیک او هزاره ډلې، د ازبک او آیماک ټولنو ترڅنګ.درینفوذ پشتون ها از زمان تاسیس کشور، یک ویژگی مشخص کننده حکومت افغانستان بوده است. Minorities also include Turkmen, Baloch, Nuristanis, and Arabs.^[1]EnglishMinorities also include Turkmen, Baloch, Nuristanis, and Arabs.پښتولږکیو کې ترکمنان، بلوڅان، نورستانیان او عربان هم شامل دي.دریساختار سیاسی اغلب یک رویکرد تک قومی را ترجیح داده است که به ایجاد موانع در انسجام ملی و توسعه سیاسی کمک کرده است.

The rights of these minorities have faced significant challenges.EnglishThe rights of these minorities have faced significant challenges.پښتود دې لږکیو حقونه د پام وړ ننګونو سره مخ شوي دي.دریاین تسلط بعضی اوقات به عنوان نتیجه " قوم گرایی" یا "پشتونیسم" در نظر گرفته شده است، منتقدین اشاره می کنند که سیاست های قومی حاکمان مختلف اغلب تحت تاثیر عناصر خارجی و مداخله های خارجی بوده است. For example, the Shia Hazara minority has a long history of persecution and discrimination, including reports of mass evictions from their lands.^[1]^[5]EnglishFor example, the Shia Hazara minority has a long history of persecution and discrimination, including reports of mass evictions from their lands.پښتود بېلګې په توګه، د شیعه هزاره لږکی د ظلم او تبعیض اوږد تاریخ لري، په شمول د دوی له ځمکو څخه د ډله ایزو اخراجونو راپورونه.دریظهور اولیه احساسات ناسیونالیستی پشتون ها را می توان به شاعر جنگجو قرن هفدهم خوشال خان ختاک، که توسط امپراتور مغول اورنگزیب به دلیل تحریک شورش زندانی شد، پی برد. The interplay of ethnicity, language, and religion—such as the identification of Hazaras as a mainly Shia Muslim group—continues to shape the social and political struggles of these populations.^[1]^[5]EnglishThe interplay of ethnicity, language, and religion—such as the identification of Hazaras as a mainly Shia Muslim group—continues to shape the social and political struggles of these populations.پښتود قومیت، ژبې او مذهب متقابل عمل د دې نفوس ټولنیز او سیاسي مبارزې ته دوام ورکوي.دریبعداً، میرویس هوتاک قبایل را در شورش های موفق علیه صفویان در شهر قندهار در اوایل قرن ۱۸ رهبری کرد.

Impact of Foreign Intervention

Foreign intervention has played a critical role in sharpening lingering ethnic tensions in Afghanistan.^[2]EnglishForeign intervention has played a critical role in sharpening lingering ethnic tensions in Afghanistan.دریجمعیت متنوع افغانستان شامل گروه های عمده مانند گروه های تاجیک و هزاره، در کنار جوامع ازبک و آیماق است. Various international actors have engaged in the management of ethnic conflicts, with studies examining the specific roles of regional powers in managing these divisions.^[3]^[9]EnglishVarious international actors have engaged in the management of ethnic conflicts, with studies examining the specific roles of regional powers in managing these divisions.دریاقلیت ها همچنان شامل ترکمن ها، بلوچ ها، ولایت نورستان و عرب ها می باشند. These interventions have often contributed to the politicization of ethnicity, where ethnic identity becomes a tool for political mobilization or a source of friction in the state-building process.^[6]^[7]EnglishThese interventions have often contributed to the politicization of ethnicity, where ethnic identity becomes a tool for political mobilization or a source of friction in the state-building process.دریحقوق این اقلیت ها با چالش های قابل توجهی مواجه شده است. The political instrumentalization of ethnicity has been a deeply entrenched and complex phenomenon that has profoundly impacted the country's political landscape.^[6]EnglishThe political instrumentalization of ethnicity has been a deeply entrenched and complex phenomenon that has profoundly impacted the country's political landscape.دریبه عنوان مثال، اقلیت شیعه هزاره دارای تاریخچه طولانی آزار و تبعیض است، از جمله گزارش های اخراج انبوه از زمین های خود.

Modern Political Dynamics and Elections

In the contemporary period, the political instrumentalization of ethnicity remains a deeply entrenched phenomenon.^[6]EnglishIn the contemporary period, the political instrumentalization of ethnicity remains a deeply entrenched phenomenon.دریتعامل قومیت، زبان و مذهب همچنان به شکل گیری مبارزات اجتماعی و سیاسی این جمعیت ها ادامه می دهد. Ethnicity has been used as a "card" in political processes, which some argue has ingrained an awareness of ethnic identity into the political system rather than diminishing it.^[7]EnglishEthnicity has been used as a "card" in political processes, which some argue has ingrained an awareness of ethnic identity into the political system rather than diminishing it.دریمداخله خارجی نقش مهمی در تشدید تنش های قومی در افغانستان ایفا کرده است. The current allegiance to Pashtunism is prominently displayed within the Taliban among founding members who wield considerable influence in the governmental structure.^[14]EnglishThe current allegiance to Pashtunism is prominently displayed within the Taliban among founding members who wield considerable influence in the governmental structure.دریبازیگران بین المللی مختلف در مدیریت درگیری های قومی شرکت کرده اند، با مطالعات بررسی نقش های خاص قدرت های منطقه ای در مدیریت این تقسیمات. In the post-2001 period, the relationship between ethnic identity and politics has influenced the electoral system and has been subject to ethnic manipulations in both presidential and parliamentary elections.^[8]EnglishIn the post-2001 period, the relationship between ethnic identity and politics has influenced the electoral system and has been subject to ethnic manipulations in both presidential and parliamentary elections.دریاین مداخله ها اغلب به سیاسی شدن قومیت کمک کرده است، جایی که هویت قومی به یک ابزار برای بسیج سیاسی یا یک منبع اصطکاک در پروسه دولت سازی تبدیل می شود.

Despite the country's heterogeneous structure, the failure to adopt a balanced and effective ethnic policy continues to result in periodic tensions, insecurity, and instability.^[3]EnglishDespite the country's heterogeneous structure, the failure to adopt a balanced and effective ethnic policy continues to result in periodic tensions, insecurity, and instability.پښتود هیواد د مختلف جوړښت سره سره، د متوازن او مؤثره توکمیز پالیسۍ غوره کولو کې پاتې راتلل د وخت په وخت تاوتریخوالي، ناامنۍ او بې ثباتۍ لامل کیږي.دریاستفاده سیاسی از قومیت یک پدیده پیچیده و عمیق بوده است که تاثیر عمیقی بر چشم انداز سیاسی کشور داشته است.