The proceedings of the international conference on Afghanistan Under Taliban Rule: The Reaction of Neighboring Countries and Great Powers, held at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy with the assistance of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (Germany) in 2024, include an article by Rustam Makhmudov, a leading researcher at the Laboratory for Anthropology and Conflict Studies, devoted to the analysis of the Taliban’s socio-economic policy and the prospects for the modernisation of Afghanistan. The author examines in detail the economic situation in the country since the Taliban came to power in 2021, focusing on the sharp decline in GDP, the loss of Western financial aid and the complexities of the financial system.

 

The article highlights that the Taliban have made some progress in fighting corruption, stabilizing foreign trade and launching major infrastructure projects such as the Qosh Tepa Canal and the development of copper and oil deposits. However, the author argues that key challenges, including limited participation of women in economic life, poor governance and dependence on humanitarian aid, continue to impede Afghanistan’s sustainable development. Mr Makhmudov analyses the prospects for further economic growth in an environment dominated by extractive institutions and highlights the importance of international cooperation and investment to stabilize the country.

 

Read and download the article (in Russian)

 

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