Dr Kefa Hamidi (With input from Dr Hazrat Bahar) The programmatic paper presents an innovative programme at Leipzig University that integrates six exiled scholars from Afghanistan into research, teaching and transfer. The programme focuses on investigating the Afghan media system and public communication spaces in fragile states. The programme is based at the Centre for…
Kefajat Hamidi This study examines the evolving public sphere in Afghanistan, which has been profoundly shaped by the processes of mediatisation, transnationalisation, platformisation and segmentation. The research focuses on both traditional actors (classical media) and emerging communicators (digital activists) who are influencing and redefining this space. The study highlights the dynamic interaction between Afghanistan and…
Felicitas Mettner This study examines how the Taliban utilize social media to promote their agenda and shape public opinion in Afghanistan. While traditionally opposed to modern media, the Taliban have adapted to digital platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and encrypted messaging apps, using them for propaganda, recruitment, and strategic messaging. Findings indicate that the…
Henriette Unbehaun This study examines the propaganda strategies employed by the Taliban, particularly before and after their takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. By analyzing narratives, media channels, and target audiences, the research explores how the Taliban have evolved from a movement restricting media access to one that actively leverages traditional and digital platforms to spread…
Emma Segebrecht & Helena Ahlgrimm Social media campaigns play a crucial role in public discourse and mobilization in fragile states. This study examines MyRedLine (MRL), a 2019 Afghan social media campaign that allowed citizens to voice their concerns about Taliban peace talks. Through video testimonials shared online, the campaign generated 20 million impressions, fostering dialogue…
Abumoslem Khorasani This study examines the Twitter-X accounts of individuals accused of lobbying for the Taliban, addressing how these individuals engage on the platform. The findings reveal that individuals accused of lobbying for the Taliban, with less than one million followers, 12,000 followings, and 120,000 tweets, have created a media structure on Twitter-X. These accounts…