The Bright and Dark Faces of Globalization in Afghanistan

Afghanistan offers on excellent case studyfor exemplif ying the bright and dork sides of 9lobalization. This paper seeks to provide a nuanced and balanced picture of the effects of globalization and regionolization os viewed through the lenses of Afghanistan 's narcotics trafficking, the media, and foreign aid. No other element in Afghanistan's economy bears so clearly the marks of globalization as does narcotics, both In contributing to the country's economic survival and in serving os o threat to its success as a stote. Global market forces, unmitigated by Afghanistan's weak post-2001 institutions, have made poppy growing and opium product ion the best of o poor range of options. Yet among several unintended consequences, the beneficiaries of global trade have Included the Taliban insurgents, who tax production and exact payment from drug traffickers in exchange for protection. Afghanistan has meanwhile undergone a media and communication; revolution. The country's exposure to foreign television programming hos raised public expectations of more responsive governance and service delivery. There have been opportunities to strengthen people 's national identity and gain access to difficult-to- reach populations. However, freedoms for the press ond media have also loid the ground for more regressive, ethnocentric, and divis;ve tendencies. And the international development aid that has provided Afghanistan Jorge sums of money for bullding economic and politico/ institutions hos Q/so served tofuel corruption and to undermine governm!nt incentives for extracting taxes and toking responsiblllt1for the country's security.