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.
Navid Ahangari, Shahrbano Movsavi, Reza Shahbaznejad,
Volume 25, Issue 76 (3-2025)
Abstract
In the era of knowledge, the rapid advancement of information and communication technology (ICT) is considered a crucial factor in addressing the growing environmental, social, and economic challenges in urban areas. Knowledge-based cities, leveraging this technology, are at the forefront of enhancing the quality of life for residents and the efficiency of services towards achieving sustainable urban development. This study aims to explore the potential and application of ICT in knowledge-based urban development. The data analyzed were collected through a survey of 66 experts from the Deputy of Urban Planning in the 22 districts of Tehran Municipality, ensuring theoretical saturation. Structural equation modeling and the partial least squares approach, utilizing SmartPLS3 software, were employed for data analysis. The findings indicate that the variables of ICT application and potential, as well as knowledge-based urban development in Tehran, and their respective components, scored an average ranging from 3.5 to 4.3 on a 5-point Likert scale, suggesting a relatively stable status. Furthermore, the coefficient for the impact of ICT application and potential on knowledge-based urban development exceeded 0.96, confirming the main model of this research. The outcome suggests that investing in research and development of ICT can serve as a solution to overcome the limitations of knowledge-based urban development in the Tehran metropolis.
