Applied Research in Geographical Sciences

Applied Research in Geographical Sciences

Afghanistan and geopolitical competitions between global and regional powers

Articles in Press
Authors
Subhanullah subhani 1
reza shahbaznejad 2
Seyed Ali Monavari 3
1 . Corresponding Author, PhD student in International Relations, International Relations Group, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Khwarizmi University, Tehran, Iran,
2 Senior Geopolitical Analyst, Geopolitical Geography Group, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Khwarizmi University, Tehran, Iran..
3 Associate Professor of International Relations International Relations, International Relations Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Due to its geopolitical position, Afghanistan has always been at the center of competition among global powers. Following the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2021, the country has become a battleground for rivalry among China, Russia, the United States, Iran, India, and Pakistan. Using the theories of Balance of Power and Mackinder’s Heartland Theory, this study examines the role of these rivalries in Afghanistan’s security, economic, and political developments. The research seeks to answer the question: how have geopolitical rivalries among global powers affected Afghanistan’s security, politics, and economy after the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2021?

Geopolitical competition among global powers (China, Russia, the United States, Iran, India, and Pakistan) has led to increased economic dependency, intensified proxy rivalries, and greater complexity in Afghanistan’s domestic politics, becoming a major obstacle to sustainable stability in the post-2021 period. China, through large-scale investments and the inclusion of Afghanistan in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), seeks to strengthen its economic influence and secure its strategic interests. Russia emphasizes security aspects and counterterrorism measures and maintains a cautious relationship with the Taliban. In contrast, the United States aims to prevent further empowerment of the Taliban and the growing influence of China and Russia through economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and cooperation with regional actors. Meanwhile, Iran, India, and Pakistan pursue different objectives in Afghanistan, further complicating regional interactions.

The findings of this research reveal that global power rivalries have increased Afghanistan’s economic dependency, intensified proxy conflicts, and created new challenges within the Taliban’s domestic political structure.
Keywords
Afghanistan
Geopolitical Competition
Russia
China
America
regional security
Babbie, E. (2020). The practice of social research (15th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Brzezinski, Z. (1997). The grand chessboard: American primacy and its geostrategic imperatives. Basic Books.
BTI. (2024). Afghanistan country report. Bertelsmann Stiftung.
Byrd, W. (2022). U.S. foreign policy and humanitarian interventions in Afghanistan. [Publisher].
Ensani, [Initials]. (2024). Analysis of Iran-Afghanistan relations. [Publisher].
Felbab-Brown, V. (2021). After the U.S. withdrawal: Security and governance in Afghanistan. Brookings Institution Press.
Haqqani, H. (2023). Pakistan's strategic interests in Afghanistan. [Publisher].
H. M. Mackinder. (1904). The geographical pivot of history. The Geographical Journal, 23(4), 421–437.
IESS analyses. (1401–1403). Regional security and Afghanistan. Institute for Strategic Studies.
Kashin, V. (2022). Russia’s security policy toward Afghanistan. [Publisher].
Kucera, J. (2021). ISIS-K and regional security dynamics in Afghanistan. [Publisher].
Morgenthau, H. J. (1948). Politics among nations: The struggle for power and peace (2nd ed.). Knopf.
Markey, D. (2023). Geopolitical competition in South and Central Asia post-2021. [Publisher].
Pant, H., & Saha, R. (2021). India’s role in Afghanistan: Strategic and economic perspectives. Observer Research Foundation.
Rahbordsyasi report. (2025). Geopolitical competition and Afghanistan: Analysis report. [Publisher].
Rolland, N. (2019). China’s Belt and Road Initiative and regional implications. National Bureau of Asian Research.
Ruttig, T. (2022). Iran and Afghanistan under Taliban rule: Security and cooperation. [Publisher].
Shahrani, M. (2018). China’s investment in Afghanistan: Opportunities and challenges. [Publisher].
Small, A. (2020). China’s engagement with Afghanistan: Economic and security challenges. [Publisher].
Stronski, P. (2022). Russia, Iran, and China: Strategic balance in Afghanistan. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Vatanka, A. (2023). Iran’s policy toward Afghanistan after 2021: Economic and political dimensions. [Publisher].
Walt, S. M. (2014). The origins of alliances. Cornell University Press.
Waltz, K. N. (1979). Theory of international politics. McGraw-Hill.
CRS. (2025). Afghanistan: Geopolitical significance and regional security. Congressional Research Service.
CFR analyses. (2025). Global power competition in Afghanistan: Policy reports. Council on Foreign Relations.
Applied Research in Geographical Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 March 2007