From Insurgents to Custodians: Charting Taliban's Transition Towards ‘Governance' and ‘Institutionalization' in Afghanistan

Introduction

In the ever-shifting landscape of contemporary geopolitics, the Taliban in Afghanistan stands out as a focal point of global attention and curiosity. Rooted in insurgency and driven by a distinctive interpretation of Islamic law fused with tribal codes, the Taliban has undergone a noteworthy transformation, sparking inquiries into its journey from ‘insurgents’ to ‘custodians’. The ascent of the Taliban in Afghanistan’s political arena has unfolded through a series of developments characterized by insurgency, governance attempts, and external interventions (D’Souza, 2016). This transition, from a belligerent insurgent force to a quasi-governing entity, presents a multifaceted puzzle. Understanding this transition entails a systematic exploration into the ideological foundations shaping the Taliban’s worldview, the historical context influencing its identity, and the complex webs of power propelling it towards governance. The elevation of the Taliban is not a straightforward linear progression; instead, it involves a complex interweaving of historical, ideological, and geopolitical factors.

A crucial aspect of the Taliban’s evolution revolves around its relationship with governance structures and the challenges faced in establishing and sustaining institutions. The transition from insurgency to governance requires a delicate balance, with the Taliban grappling with the demands of statecraft while adhering to its ideological foundations. Scrutinizing the Taliban’s efforts at institutionalization provides a lens to assess the group’s capacity to navigate governance complexities and analyse the socio-political implications of its policies. To navigate this labyrinthine transformation, engagement with diverse academic disciplines is imperative for a holistic understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing the Taliban’s evolution.

From macro point of view, this chapter employs a methodical descriptive approach to analyse the Taliban’s governance model, documenting its transition from insurgency to governance. Utilizing the descriptive research method, it provides essential factual insights for policymakers (Nassaji, 2015). Key domains such as education, women’s rights, and foreign policy etc. are examined, highlighting the dynamic nature of the Taliban’s policy articulation. Historical research complements this, identifying pivotal turning points crucial for understanding the Taliban’s evolution into custodians of governance in Afghanistan. Additionally, the discussion includes an in-depth analysis of Afghanistan’s security landscape, acknowledged as a significant threat by the United Nations (Singh, 2023). Furthermore, the research focuses on the Taliban’s developing policies and their global repercussions, examining potential scenarios for future engagements.

The study concludes with the proposal of policy-centric recommendations aimed at fostering and strengthening crucial institutions for the effective functioning of the country. These recommendations seek to establish a constructive framework for addressing the challenges posed by the Taliban’s governance and promoting stability in Afghanistan. Undertaking this intellectual exploration into the heart of the Taliban’s metamorphosis requires adopting a dispassionate analytical lens. The research does not seek to pass judgment but rather aims to illuminate the complex process with implications not only for Afghanistan but also for the broader global landscape. Exploring the strategic trajectories forged by the Taliban, this research adds valuable insights towards understanding of the complex dynamics that unfolds when insurgent movements undertake the formidable journey towards establishing governance and institutional structures.