In realization of the critical role of Afghanistan’s neighbourhood to a sustainable peace in the country, this project describes and analyses the regional security dynamic. A basic premise of the project is that each of Afghanistan’s surrounding regions – South Asia, Central Asia and the Persian Gulf – have an inherent dominant security dynamic of their own. Hence, the engagement and policies of neighbouring states vis-a-vis Afghanistan as well as their interaction with global powers, is primarily a reflection of existential security concerns within their own region. Focus is on near political history, particularly post-2001 developments. A number of questions fundamental to formulating a policy for constructive third party engagement is addressed.
The first phase of this project (2009–2013) led to the preparation of four comprehensive papers, first a general overview and framework and subsequent papers devoted to each of the three regions (see links above or under the Publications tab below).
The main purpose of the second phase (2014–2016) was to refine the policy implications of the initial study and make those available to broader audiences. At the same time, the new project aimed to initiate a working dialogue with selected experts and policy makers on policy options. It also brought about the publishing of a final monograph based on the project findings: A Rock Between Hard Places: Afghanistan as an Arena of Regional Insecurity.
PRIO Associate Researcher Shahrbanou Tadjbakhsh has just published a PRIO Paper entitled 'Regional Responses to Radicalization in Afghanistan: Obstacles, Opportunities and an Agenda for Action'. The paper is an output of the project Afghanistan in a Neighbourhood Perspective, funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The third and final case study from the Afghanistan in a Neighbourhood Perspective project is just published. Shahrbanou Tadjbakhsh analyzes the Persian Gulf sub-regional security complex and its relations with Afghanistan in the PRIO paper titled "The Persian Gulf and Afghanistan: Iran and Saudi Arabia's Rivalry Projected".
Click here for more information and download link to the paper.
A PRIO Paper from the project 'Afghanistan in a Neighbourhood Perspective' is just published. Shahrbanou Tadjbakhsh has authored the third paper in a series of four, titled Central Asia and Afghanistan: Insulation on the Silk Road, Between Eurasia and the Heart of Asia.
For more information and download link to the paper, click here.
In the first of three case studies from the Afghanistan in a Neighbourhood project, Shahrbanou Tadjbakhsh analyzes the South Asian Security Complex, notably India and Pakistan as the two main players, and their relations to Afghanistan.
Click here for more info and download link.
PRIO Paper
PRIO Paper
PRIO Policy Brief
PRIO Policy Brief
Monograph
PRIO Paper
PRIO Paper
PRIO Paper
Journal Article in Comparative Social Research
PRIO Paper