ID | 180788 |
Title Proper | Taliban Enigma and the Polycentric World |
Other Title Information | the Benefits of Being Independent |
Language | ENG |
Author | Safranchuk, Ivan A ; Ivan A. Safranchuk, Vera M. Zhornist ; Zhornist, Vera M |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | Despite the general view on the Taliban1 as a proxy actor, it has become capable of pursuing independent domestic and foreign policies. Two basic options for the Taliban’s role in regional affairs are possible in the future. Under the Taliban’s rule Afghanistan may become either a scene of rivalry between great and regional powers, or a neutral zone with a revived buffer function it performed long before the 1970s. The Taliban’s independent policies make the latter option quite feasible. However, if global and regional actors with vested interest do not ensure necessary international conditions, Afghanistan’s neutral role will not be possible. More broadly, the entitlement to an independent foreign policy granted by great powers as they abstain from imposing their influence over Afghanistan suggests a new feature of the current polycentric world. Instead of trying to enhance their costly influence on various regions, great powers may prefer to keep each other from doing so, thus creating new niches for small and middle powers. |
`In' analytical Note | Russia in Global Affairs Vol. 19, No.3; Jul-Sep 2021: p.9-24 |
Journal Source | Russia in Global Affairs Vol: 19 No 3 |
Key Words | Taliban ; Afghanistan ; Russia ; Middle Powers ; U.S ; Great Power Competition ; Polycentric World |