An Examination of the Political Economy Challenges of Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai's Government: Crises and Inefficiencies

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor, Political Science Department, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 A PhD Candidate, Political Science Department, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Research Methodology
This research adopts a qualitative, interpretive design and applies the theoretical approach of institutionalism. The analyses draw on government documents and reports, international indicators, and policy documents. The study examines both macro-structural variables and micro-policy variables to explain how the policymaking environment took shape during the Ashraf Ghani era.
Findings
The findings show that the Ashraf Ghani government, despite initial efforts to establish development-oriented, technocratic governance, in practice reproduced authoritarian patterns of rule. Power became increasingly concentrated at the presidential level, while oversight institutions such as parliament were marginalized. The government failed to institutionalize inclusive and participatory governance; instead, ethnic and political divisions deepened. This situation led to the exclusion of key political actors from decision-making processes.
Additional factors contributing to the government's collapse included its heavy reliance on foreign aid and the creation of rent-based structures. These not only prevented the mobilization of domestic resources but also fostered systematic corruption and reduced administrative efficiency. The lack of oversight and accountability mechanisms severely weakened the government's legitimacy and paved the way for the Taliban's rapid return.
 
Conclusion
The Ashraf Ghani government failed to transition from a political order based on patrimonialism to a rules-based institutional framework. Although some development projects were initiated during his rule, the lack of political inclusiveness, weak institution-building, and the dominance of informal elite networks caused institutional reforms to fail. From a theoretical perspective, this research emphasizes the link between state-building and inclusive institutional frameworks as essential for preventing collapse in fragile states. In the case of Afghanistan, the lack of domestic legitimacy, overreliance on external support, and neglect of structural reforms ultimately accelerated the state's collapse.
 

Keywords

References

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POLITICAL QUARTERLY
Volume 56, Issue 2
June 2026
Pages 566-539

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 27 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 12 August 2025

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