The state, identity politics and ethnic boundaries in Afghanistan: The case of Sunni Hazaras

Abstract In recent years, a growing number of activists in Afghanistan have been proactively self‐identifying as Sunni Hazaras. The trend demonstrates an important shift that illuminates how ethnic boundaries may change and evolve response to elite politics state policies Afghanistan. Many the communities are subjects new collective identity discourses share commonalities, including shared belief common origin, with Shi'a However, because Hazaras were persecuted marginalised under successive regimes Afghanistan, it was not for these publicly identify Instead, they tended local categories such those based on places origin or Tajiks because, like most Tajiks, speak Dari practise Islam. This article contributes understanding dynamics through detailed examination National Council Taking social constructivist approach, develops argument emphasises interactive process between formation top‐down programmes national construction bottom‐up resistance by groups appropriate articulate other forms identities demand political representation symbolic recognition.