Afghan nationalism

It has been argued that Afghan nationalism has its roots from the years 1901-1929.[4] Much of Afghanistan's nationalism is rooted in postcolonialism with it arising following the independence of the Emirate of Afghanistan from the British Empire in 1919 after the Third Anglo-Afghan War.[5] Afghan nationalism has also been described as a cause of the Soviet–Afghan War due to the Afghan mujahideen fighting against what they called 'Soviet neocolonialism'.[5] Afghan nationalism has also been associated with the Taliban.[6] In the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Afghan nationalism or Afghan patriotism was described as incredibly weak.[5] Pakistan has also played a role in keeping Afghan nationalism down to prevent "Greater Afghanistan" from becoming a reality.[7] The Saqqawists were also considered to be Afghan nationalists, though they were more of Tajik nationalists.

Afghan nationalism became increasingly prominent in the late 1980s under Mohammed Najibullah. The ideology of the ruling party had gradually changed to one seeking pan-Afghan unity against what was called the threat posed by Pakistan.[8]

Afghan nationalists have, at least historically, attempted to build an Afghan national identity as a united Afghan people with a common culture and history.[4] Afghan nationalists tend to have right-wing conservative positions like those of the Islamic Movement of Taliban.[9]