Persistence and change in Soviet and Russian relations with Afghanistan

Abstract

This paper examines persistence and change in the Soviet Union's and then Russia's relations with Afghanistan with respect to development and security. First, a detailed analysis of the promise and reality of Soviet development assistance reveals conceptual shortcomings in their attempt to induce economic development in Afghanistan. The Soviet Union's heritage is then revealed in order to understand Russia's current perception of post-Taliban Afghanistan as well as Russia's emerging interests and commitment to Afghanistan's economic development. This paper argues that Russia will most likely replicate standard industrialization development approaches in contributing to Afghanistan's development. Therefore, Russia will probably run into problems similar to those that led to the failure of the Soviet modernization project, which consisted of large-scale development projects that were inappropriate to the country's institutions and the lives of most Afghans. It is questionable whether such reiteration will induce economic development now, in the complex setting of a fragmented and fragile state with a multitude of external players looking out for their own interests.

Russia's Role in Afghan Peace Process

“…The second one is the increase in Islamist activities in the Central Asian states and destabilization in Afghanistan. According to the writers, Moscow wants to increase its influence in Afghanistan to counter the western narrative by using soft power (Dorre & Kraudzun, 2012).…”

Regional Dynamics and Russian Security Strategy in South Asia: A Comparative Analysis of Pakistan and India

“…Kabul Masco trade has grown dramatically in the previous years in which Russia enjoyed a massive surplus with its desiring interest. Comparatively America and Europe evenly regional countries like India and Iran Russia didn't provide any economic aid to Afghanistan since 2001 (Dörre & Kraudzun, 2012).…”