Tribe and state in iran and afghanistan: An update

Abstract

The author reviews his analysis of 'tribe and state in Iran and Afghanistan' resulting from a conference he convened in 1979. He considers the continuing relevance of the themes discussed at the conference, given the shattering political and social changes over the intervening three decades, following revolutions in both countries. There has been a revival of tribalism, but at the same time considerable transformation of the forms and functions of 'the tribes'. The author repeats his conclusion that 'Tribalism has its faults and limitations, but its provision of social security and its long-term sur-vival value should recommend it as no anachronism' in the contemporary world.