To understand the world in which we live, it is essential to distinguish between states (= countries) and nations. Sadly, few public commentators on foreign or domestic political affairs ever make such a basic distinction.

Is Afghanistan a nation? Certainly not at this time (the start of 2002). Is it a state? Only in theory. To actually be a viable state, it will need a government that acquires a preponderance of force such that it can compel potential rival governments to acquiesce to its demands. And Afghanistan could become a nation if most of its residents start to regard themselves first and foremost as Afghans. But such a consciousness is unlikely to come about in the near future. The tribal loyalties of most Afghans are a good example of the way most of the world's people imagined their communities and identities in the days before the existence of nations.