The Paradox of Independent Media Under Conditions of War in Post-9/11 Afghanistan

Abstract

Despite extensive research conducted by scholars on the role of and reasons behind the flourishing of independent media in post-conflict and transition countries, the reasons behind the paradox of independent media in post-9/11 Afghanistan has remained largely unexplored. Afghanistan as a country in hybrid conditions of war, post-authoritarianism, transition, and developing state represents a very unique example of a paradox of flourishing and critical independent media likely incomparable to any other state of its kind. This thesis explores the reasons behind the development of relatively free and critical independent media in post-9/11 Afghanistan. It does so through delving into the performance of selected media outlets as case studies (N=3) and by utilizing a series of semi-structured in-depth interviews (N=15), it discloses how and why, despite all odds, such outlets are capable to function as truly independent media. The critical approach taken in the analysis of both the primary and secondary data of this study indicates that remaining as an independent media requires a number of factors, including international financial and technical assistance, commitment to liberal norms and idealistic adventurous attitude. This interdisciplinary study contributes to the existing discussions on the interaction of state and independent media and their role in the democratization process in post-conflict societies.