The United States and Sino-Pak Strategic Imperatives in Afghanistan

Abstract

Afghanistan is geo-politically significant; despite two decade long imbroglio and foreign occupation it has been a ground for major powers to establish their influences and to counter their rivals. It is a hub having proximity to the South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. Inside Afghanistan the interests of the United States, China and Pakistan converges and diverges on multiple grounds but for all the interests the peace and stability inside Afghanistan is crucial. The research piece investigates strategic interests of Pakistan, China and the United States in Afghanistan and also finds out grounds where these three countries cooperate for the peace and stability of Afghanistan and the region. This research is conducted through mixed method design by using both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to investigate strategic interests of Pakistan, China and the United States inside Afghanistan. These three countries have some diverging interests but rational approach made them cooperate. Accordingly, the grounds of convergence are counter-terrorism, curbing violent extremism and cooperation for economic connectivity and regional relations which are rational choices for players in order to secure win-win situation. Peaceful and stable Afghanistan is the only way for access and utilization of natural resources and for the feasibility of significant economic projects like CASA-1000, China Pakistan Economic Cooperation and Belt Road Initiative.