Barnett R. Rubin, one of the world's leading scholars of contemporary conflict and politics in Afghanistan, offers unique insights into the country's turbulent history, gleaned from four decades of work as a scholar and practitioner for both the United Nations and the United States. After situating the formation of modern Afghanistan in its long-term historical context, Rubin focuses on the period of armed conflict that began in 1978. The book analyzes the local, national, regional, and global shifts on social structure and the economy that perpetuated violent conflict while transforming its structure. Rubin's own analysis is complemented by guest chapters by world experts on Afghanistan's aid economy, drug industry, and the Taliban.