This paper is an attempt to examine the background and the strategy of peacebuilding in Afghanistan and identify the role of DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration) in their context. First, the paper provides an overview of the history of Afghanistan and finds that its modernization process has been fragile. While the central government’s power base has been weak since 18th century, various attempts to strengthen centralization by coercive measures have generally been fruitless. This is a political environment that has invited repeated interventions by foreign powers ranging from Russia, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and the United States in addition to some neighboring states. This historical insight provides peacebuilding in Afghanistan with two major strategic pillars. First, the creation of a strong central government in Kabul with a modernized national force is critical for stabilizing Afghanistan. Second, however, rapid and ambitious centralization will inevitably face resistances and may rather result in disintegration. DDR in Afghanistan were intended to meet these two conditions.