A Neighbor of Neighbors

This book explores China’s evolving role in Afghanistan—past, present, and future. Following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in August 2021 after two decades of intervention, China emerged as the most significant regional power capable of shaping the country’s future under Taliban rule. What are China’s objectives in post-withdrawal Afghanistan? How does it intend to project influence and manage security risks? To answer these questions, the book traces the historical evolution of China’s Afghanistan policy, offering both theoretical insight and empirical analysis. It highlights how Beijing’s approach is driven by the goals of amity, security, and influence. This timely study offers a nuanced understanding of China’s foreign policy and will be essential reading for scholars of Asian politics, geopolitics, and the emerging regional order in Central and South Asia.