A Reflection on the Failure of the First Renovation Process in Afghanistan (A Sociological Analysis of Shah Amanullah Khan's Failed Modernization Efforts in Afghanistan)

Abstract

Afghanistan has twice embarked on significant modernization efforts, both of which ended in failure and continue to shape the country’s ongoing crises. The first failure occurred during the Amani period, when clergy and religious groups rebelled against reforms, while the second failure emerged with the return of Taliban rule after two decades of international presence. This paper examines the causes of the first failure in Afghanistan’s modernization process. Using an explanatory-analytical approach, the study employs discourse analysis to uncover underlying meanings in texts and speeches within cultural, social, and political contexts. Primary sources include the 1921 Constitution, governmental decrees, and King Amanullah’s reform proclamations, while secondary sources consist of scholarly articles and books discussing the clash between tradition and modernity. Purposeful sampling was guided by key terms, with data coded to identify and analyze discursive signifiers. The analysis’s validity and reliability were ensured using the Potter and Wetherell method to maintain coherence and consistency. Findings indicate that the failure of Afghanistan’s first modernization attempt stemmed from the entrenched power of traditional structures, lack of cultural readiness for change, and imposition of foreign cultural elements. The exogenous and rushed nature of reforms—such as mandatory unveiling, prohibition of polygamy, and compulsory education for girls—alienated key social groups. Additionally, the neglect of reference groups and dissatisfaction among powerful elites undermined support for modernization. This study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive, inclusive, and gradual approaches to reform in societies with strong traditional foundations.