Subhanullah Subhani, Reza Shahbaznejad, Seyed Ali Monavari,
Volume 0, Issue 0 (3-1921)
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.
Hamid Dorj, Reza Simbar, Ahmad Ansiz,
Volume 25, Issue 78 (9-2025)
Abstract
As China's economic, technological, and military power continues to rise, the United States has grown increasingly concerned about Beijing's expanding influence. Washington perceives China's regional ascendancy as a challenge to its hegemonic ambitions. China's growing military capabilities and political influence in East Asia have sparked concern and suspicion among some of its neighbors and the United States. In response, the U.S. has maintained an active presence in the region, citing reasons such as countering China's rise and supporting freedom of navigation. Washington's efforts to challenge China's maritime sovereignty reflect its broader concerns about China's rise and its determination to maintain hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region. This has led the United States to attempt to create a strategic encirclement against China, aiming to contain its regional influence and prevent a shift in the balance of power in East Asia that could disadvantage Washington. The research question addressed in this study is: What strategy does the United States employ to contain China's power in the South China Sea? The proposed hypothesis is that, given China's economic growth and the expansion of its maritime power are perceived as strategic threats to the region and the United States, Washington seeks to prevent China from becoming a regional hegemon in East Asia. By countering China's rise, the U.S. aims to shape the balance of power in favor of itself and its regional allies, thereby securing its goals and interests in the region. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method to examine how the U.S. strategy of containing China's power and isolating it regionally contributes to maintaining the balance of power in East Asia, while advancing the influence and interests of the United States and its allies.
