The Emergence of Modern Afghanistan: Politics of Reform and Modernization

by Vartan Gregorian

Long heralded as a seminal work on the history of Afghanistan, this book traces the evolution of the modern Afghan state by studying the politics of reform and modernization that started in 1880 through World War II. In this reissue, Vartan Gregorian offers a new introduction that places the key themes of the book in the context of contemporary events, addressing questions of tribalism, nationalism, Islam, and modernization, as well as the legacies of the Cold War and the various exit strategies of occupying powers. The book remains as distinctive today as when it was first published. It is the only broad work on Afghan history that considers ethnicity as the defining influence over the course of the country's history, rather than religion. In light of today's ongoing struggle to develop a coherent national identity, the question of Afghan nationalism remains a particularly significant issue.

680 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1969

Reviews

[Alireza dehghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am reading this book in farsi translation. The translation is poor but the research is fantastic, i hadn't read any analytical review of what happened in past 200 years in Afghanistan social life which made her such a harsh , nomadic, traditionalist and heartless place on earth now, but this book analysis the reasons and consequenses.
i like its approach
now that i have finished the book i do strongly recommend it to any body doing research about afghanistan.
I whish i could get hold of the English version. and i hope sombody will translate this again in a real Farsi language
very reliable , well arranged content, well referenced study,
thanks to Vartan Geerigorian

[Freshta Yosufi]

It is a good seminal work on the histroy of Afghansitan untill 1950s very detailed and a good start to understand the history and more importantly the journey of modernization in Afghanistan. I recommend as a starting point for researches on modernization in Afghanistan.

[Jwjones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting; very, very detailed--sometimes too detailed, but if you want to know Afghan history this is definitely a valuable source.

[اسحق انیس · Rating 5 out of 5]

birriliant work......with much scrutinization about afghanistan's history