An in-depth study of the securitization of ethnic identities and social groups by the state in Afghanistan is published in December 2024, as a book co-authored by a member of the DCU Conflict Institute. Reconceptualizing Securitization in Afghanistan: Ethnicity, Social Identity, and Higher Education post-2001 is by Dr Arif Sahar (Sheffield Hallam University) and Prof Christian Kaunert (Professor of International Security, DCU).

The book investigates the securitization of ethnic identities and social groups by the state in Afghanistan in the post-2001 context. Securitization is arguably the most successful theoretical framework to analyse security beyond the   military confines. Yet, despite its broadening agenda, the securitization framework has been accused of having a Western bias. This book analyses the extent, the modalities, and practices of the securitization of ethnic identities and social groups (e.g. women) by the state yin Afghanistan post-2001. It is especially relevant following the takeover by the Taliban in August 2021. 

It puts forward a more nuanced argument by analytically distinguishing and empirically testing state policies, practices, and perspectives on ethnic and social groups that are largely informed by the fear and legacies of civil war (1978–2001). The work argues that the traditional lack of a stable state identity that could function as a basis for ontological security in Afghanistan has resulted in a persistent state of fragility. This is exacerbated by the legacies and fears of civil war that have had a direct impact on the development of the state’s perspectives on ethnic and social groups. 

Whilst the state does not necessarily indulge in explicit securitization practices and discourses, securitization often takes place through implicit activities to undermine ethnic and social groups’ ability to enter political, economic, and socio-cultural competitions fairly and equitably, which would, in turn, enable these groups to challenge the state. The securitization process, therefore, has had an impact on the ability of these groups to benefit from opportunities fairly and equitably.

It is published by Routledge in December 2024.

https://www.routledge.com/Reconceptualizing-Securitization-in-Afghanistan-Ethnicity-Social-Identity-and-Higher-Education-post-2001/Sahar-Kaunert/p/book/9781032418797