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Checkpoint Taxation and Neo‐patrimonial Political Order in Afghanistan

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  • Sarajuddin Isar

Abstract

This study examines the role of checkpoint taxation in both the emergence and the disintegration of neo‐patrimonial political order in Afghanistan. While it focuses on the administrations of Hamid Karzai (2001–14) and Ashraf Ghani (2014–21) and the Taliban's insurgency (2001–21), it situates these dynamics within a long historical trajectory. It argues that control of checkpoints as rent‐generating sites and the allocation of access to them are crucial for consolidating patrons’ influence over strongmen and powerful elites. While neo‐patrimonialism and checkpoint taxation have each been studied independently, their intersection and the implications for political order and disintegration remain under‐explored. Drawing on interviews, secondary sources and the author's professional experience with fiscal reforms in Afghanistan, the article suggests that access to checkpoint rents is central to sustaining neo‐patrimonial political order, while its disruption fuels conflict and ultimately regime change. It further demonstrates that the Taliban's victory was enabled in part by the failure of the Afghan government and its international partners to recognize the historical importance of trade route control in shaping conflict cycles.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarajuddin Isar, 2026. "Checkpoint Taxation and Neo‐patrimonial Political Order in Afghanistan," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 57(3), pages 522-550, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:57:y:2026:i:3:p:522-550
    DOI: 10.1111/dech.70057
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. World Bank, 2017. "Afghanistan Development Update, May 2017," World Bank Publications - Reports 27550, The World Bank Group.
    2. Michael Carnahan & Nick Manning & Richard Bontjer & Stéphane Guimbert, 2004. "Reforming Fiscal and Economic Management in Afghanistan," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 14941, April.
    3. Timor Sharan, 2011. "The Dynamics of Elite Networks and Patron–Client Relations in Afghanistan," Europe-Asia Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 63(6), pages 1109-1127.
    4. Gallien, Max & Javed, Umair & van den Boogaard, Vanessa, 2023. "Between God, the People, and the State: Citizen Conceptions of Zakat," Working Papers 18090, Institute of Development Studies, International Centre for Tax and Development.
    5. World Bank, 2017. "Afghanistan Development Update, November 2017," World Bank Publications - Reports 28928, The World Bank Group.
    6. Anne Evans & Nick Manning & Yasin Osmani & Anne Tully & Andrew Wilder, 2004. "A Guide to Government in Afghanistan," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 14937, April.
    7. repec:idq:ictduk:18000 is not listed on IDEAS
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