Summary of Thomas Barfield's Afghanistan

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Afghanistan is a landlocked country that lies in the heart of Asia. It has been invaded by numerous armies over the course of history, and has been a center of many different empires ruled by outsiders. #2 The anthropological approach of this book gives prominence to both culture and history, which is why it is important to discuss political order in the abstract without forgetting about them. #3 The most fruitful way to approach these questions is to examine the changing notions of power and political legitimacy in Afghanistan over a long period. When the political structure was least open to competition, rulers found it easiest to maintain their legitimacy and authority. #4 The emergence of a class of professional rulers was the result of a hierarchical political culture in which only men from certain elite descent groups were believed to have the right to rule or even compete for power.