Everyday Peace Indicators conducted research on peace and violent extremism in Afghanistan in 2016 and 2017, prior to the Taliban takeover in 2021.

In collaboration with the Afghan research organization, Saba Stori Research Organization, we conducted research in 18 villages within Nangarhar and Kunar provinces. These areas witnessed the emergence of groups affiliated with or identifying as Islamic State in 2015. The villages included both urban and rural areas near the Pakistan border.

We engaged villagers—farmers, drivers, students, homemakers, traders, and local business owners—to understand local dynamics of peace and violent extremism. Participants were asked about indicators they observe daily to assess peace levels or the presence of violent extremism. Our findings revealed a nuanced perspective.

Through 144 focus group discussions with men, women and youth, we identified 1,845 indicators related to peace and violent extremism. Participants shared personal experiences, such as feeling safe walking from a bus stop or sleeping without fear of attack. Peace was often associated with visible symbols like the absence of Taliban flags or the presence of prohibited items like TV antennas in Taliban-controlled areas.

One recurring description of peace from both Afghan women and men was
“we see girls going to school.”

Interestingly, villagers didn’t commonly use the term “violent extremism” in everyday conversations but linked other forms of violence, such as unemployment and gender-based violence.

Everyday indicators from Afghanistan provide insights into how violence manifests, its perpetrators, and its perceived objectives. They illuminate citizens’ day-to-day experiences amidst conflict, showcasing intricate local power dynamics, governance structures and differing societal norms.