AFGHANISTAN IN CONTEMPORARY REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SETTINGS

Abstract

Power struggles within Afghanistan have been affecting the regional dynamics for the past forty years. Apart from the local actors, the devastating reverberations have intensely engaged global players in the diplomatic maneuvering. Islamabad and Kabul have had a frosty relationship. The former’s desire for a peaceful and friendly western frontier has resulted in increasing mutual distrust. Of late, Chinese led integrationist initiatives in the form of ‘One Belt One Road’ have accelerated efforts towards greater inter-state dialogue. Moreover, Russia has also been closely watching the security developments in South Asia. As the US Afghan campaign enters its 16th year and fatigue develops in Washington policy circles, the immediate future might hold some interesting alignments apropos Afghanistan and its neighbours.