Tarz Press: Post-Cold War developments, the rise of globalization, and advancements in communication and transit technologies have diminished the central role of nation-states. In international relations literature, this phenomenon is referred to as “interdependence of states.” In this environment, states can better engage within their regional spheres and secure a suitable position.
Afghanistan is situated at the crossroads of three regional spheres: the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Asia. A key question arises: to which of these regions does Afghanistan belong? Experts hold different opinions on this matter. One viewpoint suggests that Afghanistan does not directly belong to any of these regions. Historically, Afghanistan has not had extensive economic and political ties with the Middle East, aside from cultural connections. However, with the rise of security threats like the Islamic State (ISIS), Afghanistan’s security links with the Middle East have strengthened.
Additionally, while Afghanistan shares geopolitical and strategic connections with Central Asia, it is not directly considered part of Central Asia in regional analyses. Even the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which includes Central Asian countries and Russia, does not recognize Afghanistan as a member, despite the fact that the security of these nations is influenced by developments in Afghanistan.
Moreover, Afghanistan is not part of South Asia, but in the last two decades, it has been treated as part of South Asia and managed within the framework of the U.S. Special Representative for South Asia’s activities.
Although Afghanistan does not directly fit into any of these regional spheres, it is indirectly connected to all of them. The country is influenced by developments in these regions, impacts them, and requires engagement with them.
Afghanistan’s Position in Regional Organizations
Since 1993, Afghanistan has been a member of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and became a permanent member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 2007. In 2012, it was also granted observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). However, the question remains: has Afghanistan taken full advantage of the capacities and opportunities offered by these organizations?
The ECO was established with the aim of promoting sustainable economic development, removing trade barriers, enhancing transit cooperation, and developing human resources. SAARC’s objectives are focused on economic development, agriculture, livestock, telecommunications, energy, and infrastructure. The SCO, representing a population of approximately 1.5 billion people, promotes economic, political, and security cooperation among its members.
Despite these opportunities, Afghanistan has struggled to fully benefit from the potential these organizations offer. Various challenges have prevented the country from reaping the rewards of regional cooperation.
Challenges in Leveraging Regional Capacities
Afghanistan’s geographic position places it in an advantageous location to tap into regional opportunities, but these potentials have not been fully realized. While many regional organizations focus on transit and trade economies, Afghanistan lacks essential infrastructure, such as a nationwide railway system, and the security needed for energy transit.
The most significant challenge for Afghanistan is political instability. Over the past half-century, Afghanistan has seen ten different governments, with an average lifespan of five years each. This political and security instability has hindered Afghanistan’s ability to effectively benefit from regional opportunities.
Opportunities and Solutions
Afghanistan must learn from past experiences and work toward integrating into regional orders and harnessing regional cooperation. The 20-year effort to integrate Afghanistan into the global order has not succeeded, and now is the time for the country to take meaningful steps based on internal conditions and regional needs.
Afghanistan must create the necessary conditions to join regional organizations and adopt a constructive approach to economic and social issues, fostering an environment that allows for the development of internal talent and the creation of international interactions.
