How Informal Norms Impact Compliance of State Policies in the Pak-Afghan Border Region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/sajssh.2026.7201Keywords:
Traditional Norms, Informal Authorities, State Policy Compliance, Border Region, Cross-border Trade, Kinship TiesAbstract
Adherence to the state policies in border regions remains significantly low. Generally, the state applies focused rules and regulations to improve governance and border management; however, local traditions and informal norms have a greater impact than state policies. Keeping aside the inevitable kinetic measures against externally supported militants, this study examines how local traditions affect compliance with state rules and regulations in the Pak Afghan border region. The population in this region largely consists of Pashtun tribes, which adhere to the traditional code known as Pashtunwali. This code plays a pivotal role in compliance with state policies in cases of convergence, whereas it has significant potential to cause resistance in cases of divergence from state mechanisms. The study adopts a qualitative approach to analyze the phenomenon with the theoretical lens of Borderland Theory. The research analyzes that compliance of state policy in this region is mainly affected by historical memory, traditional identity, economic practices, and deep-rooted kinship networks.
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