Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Assistant Professor of Political Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2 Faculty Member of Law and Political Science, Jami University – Herat, Afghanistan
Abstract
The transformations and developments occurring in Afghanistan over time have significantly influenced the strategic and security policymaking of the regional states. Due to its proximity to Russia's sphere of influence, the Central Asian state of Afghanistan holds a special geopolitical significance for Moscow. In its 2021 National Security Strategy, Russia adopted a comprehensive perspective on security, indirectly addressing the threats emanating from Afghanistan's territory, following the ascension of the Islamic Emirate to power in 2021. This article addresses the question of how Russia's approach to security and geopolitical engagement with the Islamic Emirate aligns with its 2021 National Security Strategy. The authors hypothesize that Moscow, within the framework of the 2021 National Security Strategy, seeks to establish security and geopolitical engagement with new governing entities in Kabul. To address this question and validate the hypothesis, this study employs content analysis, utilizing library resources and credible news agencies for data collection. Findings indicate that Russia's approach to the Islamic Emirate is structured around two dimensions: security (mechanisms focused on Afghanistan, military and operational exercises, and support for the Islamic Emirate's anti-ISIS policies) and political engagement aimed at countering U.S. unilateralism through mechanisms such as the "Moscow Format" and the Regional Contact Group. Furthermore, Russia seeks to exert influence on regional political meetings, including those held in Doha.
Keywords
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