The Great Powers Interests in Afghanistan: Impacts on Pakistan Post - 9/11

Abstract

Afghanistan has a unique politico-strategic position on the world map. There are multiple reasons that always draw the attention of regional and foreign players for their national interests. The event of 9/11 again turned Afghanistan into an arena of competition for self-interests of regional and international powers. The study observes the great powers USA, China and Russia’s convergence and divergence of interests in Afghanistan in the merrier of “Offensive Realism” theory. This aim of the study is to analyze the involvement of great powers in Afghanistan and its impacts on Pakistan.This qualitative research work analyze through content analysis. The study finds out that Afghanistan’s good and bad situation always affects Pakistan.

Strategic Interests and Geopolitical Considerations: Assessing the Importance of Afghanistan for the US Post-Withdrawal

“…Politically, the USA is promoting the Indian role in Afghanistan's internal affairs, which is in conflict with China's expanding influence in South Asia. Economically, China has economic interests and wants access to mineral resources in Afghanistan, but here, the USA has interests to compete (Tasleem et al, 2021). The Russian expert and strategist General Leonid Ivashov has stated that the USA's aim is not to promote democracy nor restore order, but to be using Afghanistan as a strategic bridgehead where it could keep putting pressure on China, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia.…”