War, Politics and Society in Afghanistan, 1978-1992

by Antonio Giustozzi

This book is the first to analyze the institutions, successes, and failures of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, the pro-Soviet regime that sought to dominate the country during the years of the Soviet military presence. Antonio Giustozzi explores the military, political, and social strategies of the predominantly urban and Marxist regime as it struggled―and ultimately failed―to win the support of a largely rural and Islamic population.

Drawing on many Soviet materials not previously used by Western writers, including unpublished Red Army documents and interviews with participants, Giustozzi provides valuable new insights into the cold war and the rise of Islamic revolt.

Genres: History

334 pages, Hardcover

First published March 7, 2000

Reviews

[Rob Ashlar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of Giustozzi's first books on Afghanistan, a country on which he has since become a respected expert. There is a great deal of information in this text, but it is not analyzed or put into any coherent narrative, which is unfortunately left to the reader. He simply presents a list of facts in chronological order from 1978 to 1992. The general assessment with which we are left is that the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan tried and failed repeatedly to build mass support. The minute information available in this book must be analyzed in-depth and turned into a cogent account if it is to be of use to the lay reader. Luckily, the writing itself is quite clear and concise. There is little unnecessary jargon or flower language. For an informed reader, this book is likely of great reference use. However, the lay reader is better served elsewhere, notably Revolution Unending by Gilles Dorronsoro.