Approaches to Afghanistan is an open-access resource for teaching, learning and researching modern Afghanistan.

Approaches to Afghanistan grew out of the conjoint course between Bennington College and American University in Afghanistan. We aim to forefront the compelling scholarship of Afghanistan by its scholars and thinkers. Our mission is simple – to show the vibrant and complex scholarship about Afghanistan that defies oversimplified mainstream narratives. Approaches to Afghanistan isn’t bound to one discipline but is a conglomeration of politics, art, culture and interdisciplinary approaches. 

Our curated list of content reflects this effort. Topics range from understanding the unique influence of informal laws in Afghanistan to unravelling the politics of Nowruz. 


We’re a hub of ever-growing literature. Every contributor also contributes an annotated bibliography with an open forum for further discourse. 

We believe that education never ceases. We hope you join our effort.