The Hawallah Network: Culture and Economic Development in Afghanistan
Author(s)
Hayaud-Din, Mian Ahad
Abstract
Although Afghanistan played a central role in the development of many ancient civilizations, in recent years it has become marginalized in world affairs because of the Afghan government’s inability, or, perhaps, lack of desire to participate in the global economy. Since globalization poses many threats to Afghanistan’s traditional society, its people and culture have remained resistant to change, a condition often referred to as “counter-globalization.” This condition, however, should not be employed to explain Afghanistan’s response to globalization. Indeed, some theorists have been critical of how culture has been misinterpreted in the context of globalization. An unfortunate outcome of the use of the term “counter-global” is that it has become synonymous with “anti-global.” In some cases it may be appropriate to apply such a term, but an examination of Afghan cultural and economic institutions and practices reveals that Afghans have been operating outside rather than against globalization. This is best illustrated by studying the use of the ancient system of Hawallah.
