Revolution Unending
Afghanistan 1979 to the Present
Will be published approx. on 20. January 2005
Book
Paperback/Softback
978-1-85065-703-3 (ISBN)
Description
While not underestimating the oft-cited "ethnic factor" in Afghan politics, especially Pashtun dominance, Dorronsoro argues that class and the competition for employment and education are key factors in explaining the country's recent past. The 1990s saw the triumph of religious authorities (the ulema) and the marginalization of the traditional elites. With coalition intervention in 2001 and the subsequent deposition of the ulema-dominated Taliban, the educated elites are back in power. However, as Dorronsoro argues, patching up the country by means of short-term ethnic alliances and a new division of the spoils will only perpetuate the schisms in society. The Afghan civil war, Dorronsoro suggests, is set to continue and perhaps worsen over time.
Reviews / Votes
'This magnificent work of research andinterpretation deserves to become a classic in the field.' --Anatol Lieven, Carnegie Endowment'One of the finest studies of the origins,structure, and conduct of the conflicts inAfghanistan.'--Professor Barnett Rubin'For an authoritative account of modern Afghan history, turn to Dorronsoro's RevolutionUnending, deftly translated from the French by John King.' --Peter Bergen, Washington Post "A timely and valuable work." - Jay Freeman, Booklist "Revolution Unending is an excellent and very thorough study... This first-rate empirically-grounded book is a must read." - Abdulkader Sinno, Middle East Journal "Dorronsoro, in his splendid and fascinating study... provides a much needed antidote to the many misconceptions about this country." - Erik Sean Estep, Digest of Middle East Studies "Better than any other scholar, Dorronsoro has rebutted the image of politics between the fall of communist power and the rise of Taliban as simply a primordial struggle devoid of logic or rationale." - William Maley, author of Fundamentalism Reborn? Afghanistan and the TalibanMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-85065-703-3 (9781850657033)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Gilles Dorronsoro is professor of political science at the University of Paris I (Pantheon-Sorbonne). He is a prominent expert on contemporary Afghan politics who has lecture throughout the world. This book is a revised and expanded version of Dorronsoro's La Revolution Afghane: Des Communistes aux Talebans (2000). He is cofounder of the European Journal of Turkish Studies.