This thesis presents a recent history of development and communication in Afghanistan. The reforms introduced by the state under different rulers and governments since the 1870s, and public reaction to these initiatives, are examined. Whether influenced by global events or socioeconomic and political developments domestically, those attempts at reform were often resisted by the local communities in Afghanistan. This study explores both external and internal factors contributing to the reforms and resistance to those reforms. This thesis seeks to uncover the possible causes of that resistance.
Strategies related to media and communication in the country are explored in terms of the role they have played in attempts to develop the country. Discussed is the use of media, use of traditional communication channels and the use of interpersonal channels for introducing socioeconomic changes in the country.
In modern history, all three of the main approaches to development and communication, modernization, dependency and liberation perspectives, have been used as strategies to bring about developmental change in Afghanistan. The paper describes the principal development events and tries to find out the causes of success or failure of these approaches.
The paper concludes that the involvement an d participation of Afghan citizens in the development process is a key determinant in achieving the desired results. It also explains how the social system and values of the population, if taken into account, can support development activities they understand and have helped to bring about.