The transnationalization of the Taliban

Abstract

This article introduces a framework for the analysis of transnationalization – understood as the process by which non-state groups integrate with transnational actors – that distinguishes between (1) organization, (2) resource mobilization, (3) tactical repertoire and (4) ideological framing. This framework is then applied to an examination of the Afghan Taliban’s relationships to Al-Qaeda, the Pakistani Taliban (and other local militants) and the Pakistani state. Contrary to dominant analyses, the article finds that the transnationalization of the Taliban has been limited. The Afghan Taliban have been concerned both about losing local support and about coming under the influence of actors with objectives very different from their own, and have therefore consciously limited their own integration into transnational networks.

Armed Conflicts With Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State: The Role of Repression and State Capacity

“…Before specifying how I expect the main variables of interest to affect local groups’ decision-making as to whether to consider a pledge of allegiance or not, it is worthwhile to highlight some of the main potential costs and benefits associated with transnationalization. Among the main reasons why local groups decide to link up with AQ or IS, their access to new battlefield tactics (Harpviken 2012, 220), weapons (Moghadam 2017, 24) and foreign fighters (Bacon 2018, 4) have been highlighted. Moreover, access to AQ or IS’ propaganda channels as well as increased financial resources can facilitate these local groups’ recruitment of new fighters (Byman 2014, 442).…”

“…From the perspective of the local group, a pledge of allegiance to AQ or IS implies a shift towards a transnational agenda, which may attract new, international counterterrorism support for the national government (Bacon 2018, 15; Lynch 2019, 4). A second potential cost for local groups may arise if their supporter base rejects the ideological shift from local issues towards a transnational jihadist framing (Harpviken 2012, 203).…”

“…2.This term was coined by Harpviken (2012) to describe the process of partial integration between the Afghan Taliban and AQ. Importantly, ‘transnationalization’ can also have other meanings and has been used to describe, for instance, external military interventions on behalf of a government fighting a jihadist group, or to capture the flow of foreign fighters towards new battlefields.…”