Russia’s Policy in Afghanistan

In recent years Russian influence in Afghanistan has grown. This development is striking, since for three decades after the withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1989, Moscow has demonstrated little appetite for involvement or intervention south of the post-Soviet space. What is driving Russia’s return to Afghanistan? What is at stake now for Russia in and around Afghanistan? How does Afghanistan fit into broader Russian foreign policy objectives? Are the United States and Russia moving toward competition or rivalry in and around Afghanistan?