Terrorism as a Challenge to Good Governance in Afghanistan: An Evaluation

Abstract

Good governance denotes ensuring justice, empowerment of masses, employment opportunities and efficient delivery of services. Terrorism however is a hurdle in achieving the above and thus is a spoiler. It is a major challenge in assuring rule of law in a country, security, prosperity, development, and human rights and fundamental freedoms of a nation. More particularly, it is a threat to economic, political and social wellbeing; all of which are required for safeguarding good governance. In absence of good governance, development schemes cannot bring improvement in the quality of life of the citizens and can lead to distrust between the government and masses thus paving the ground for radicalization and forcing more people into terrorism. How is terrorism affecting good governance in Afghanistan and to what extent? To respond to this question, this paper has adopted qualitative methodology in nature and has used and examined secondary sources, which include books, magazines, journals and newspapers. This paper provides a framework for good governance in Afghanistan with the help of worldwide governance indicators and further identifies its essential features and the major challenges before it. Particularly this paper identifies terrorism as a challenge to democracy and good governance in Afghanistan. The paper concludes that terrorist attacks in Afghanistan have affected the social and economic development of the country and has undermined the democratic fabric and governance capabilities of the Afghan society. The paper will further shed light on the policy recommendations and suggestions.