The Afghanistan's Think Tanks Since the Taliban's Return to Power
The fall of the Taliban in 2001 ushered in a period of"Islamic Republic of Afghanistan".Over the following 20 years,the government of Afghanistan continuously attempted to advance the peace process and sought international support.Meanwhile,a large number of think tanks have emerged in the country,which are diversified and active in a wide range of research activities,foreign affairs activities and even youth training programs in an attempt to contribute to the national reconstruction,the peace process and the foreign policy of Afghanistan.During the two decades,these small yet specialized think tanks have continued to play an important role in their respective professional fields,forming a strong analytical network that provided robust support for government strategic decisions and policy-making.They also played a positive role in bridging social divides and connecting the central government with grassroots society.In 2021,the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan and dramatically changed the situation.The introduction of various restrictive measures greatly altered the operating environment for think tanks.Faced with a severely fragmented domestic society,precarious human rights conditions,and the ongoing high-pressure rule of the Taliban,these think tanks must address two key challenges:maintaining their positions under the Taliban's hardline stance and continuing to advance their normal operations and research work.In the past three years,Afghan think tanks have become experienced significant divergence:some have relocated abroad,some remain steadfast in Afghanistan,and some have ceased operations.In summary,the development of think tanks in Afghanistan not only reflects the changes in Afghan society but also highlights the importance and influence of third-party forces,represented by think tanks,in contemporary national governance and diplomacy.
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