An Analysis of the introduction of Marxism to Afghanistan: Agent and process

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22067/irlip.2026.95797.1731
Abstract
This research investigates why Marxist discourse found a foothold in Afghanistan by analyzing the concepts of power, ideology, and resistance within a theoretical framework. It examines the political, social, and ideological factors that led to the spread of Marxism in Afghanistan during the 1970s and after 1250 (Afghan calendar). Relying on a descriptive-analytical method and drawing from written sources and available documents, the research seeks to uncover the process by which leftist thought entered Afghanistan and became influential, particularly during the Cold War era. It also addresses the structural and social reactions of Afghan society to this phenomenon. The findings show that three main groups played pivotal roles in this process: First, intellectuals and thinkers influenced by the Soviet Union's ideological bloc who attempted to transfer Marxist ideologies into the country. Second, the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), which became the primary political vehicle for Marxist ideologies and played a significant role in shaping Afghanistan's political structure. Third, cultural and media institutions that worked to promote leftist ideas among the general public. Despite this, the Marxist power structure was ultimately unsuccessful due to dependency, internal contradictions, incompatibility with Afghanistan’s social structures, and widespread resistance among the people. Afghan society could not transform into a Marxist entity. This study concludes that the failure of Marxism in Afghanistan lies in its lack of social and cultural legitimacy, and the internal contradictions of the ideological, governmental, and social structures.

Keywords


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Volume 14, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28
September 2026
Pages 397-425

  • Receive Date 05 October 2025
  • Revise Date 15 April 2026
  • Accept Date 06 September 2026