Cross-border trade and identity in the Afghan-Iranian border region

Abstract

During research among the Baloch people in the Afghan-Iranian border region it became apparent that many of the tribesmen were engaged in illicit trade. For this reason, this article deals with cross-border trade among the Baloch confronted with the institutions of territorial nation states. It should demonstrate why illicit trade is considered legitimate from a Baloch perspective while it interferes with the territorial demands of the bordering nation states. In this context these practices cannot be reduced to a purely functional meaning as they are not just a coping strategy for economic constraints. As I will underline, socio-cultural and historic aspects should be included in the discussion. It will be shown that the neighbouring states were not able to establish their institutions and national boundaries beyond a certain degree of indirect rule until recently and are still perceived as a quasi colonial power interfering in Baloch affairs.