Afghan Generational Radicalization

Abstract: This study examines the evolution of political Islam and its role in shaping Afghan generational radicalization. Rooted in a romanticized vision of a "mythical golden age," Islam in Afghanistan has been instrumentalized to justify armed resistance, particularly against foreign invasions. The Soviet invasion marked a pivotal moment, catalyzing ideological shifts and embedding radical narratives. The Taliban's resurgence in 2021 has further entrenched radicalization, amplifying the role of madaris and sidelining moderate Islamic ideologies. By examining the interplay of political isolation, the unchecked expansion of madaris , and the distinct ideological divergences between “Islamism” and Deobandism , this research highlights the deepening entrenchment and fragmentation of radical religious ideologies. The study employs qualitative methods, including interviews and historical analysis, to map the interplay between external invasions, ideological movements, and religious practices. It highlights the hybridization of Hanafi-Deobandi and wahhabi-salafi influences, contributing to ideological fragmentation within Afghanistan's Islamist factions. The findings underscore the challenges of balancing traditional and radicalized Islam within governance, education, and regional dynamics, offering critical insights into the ongoing tensions between cultural and political Islam in Afghanistan’s socio-political fabric.