Great Games for Great Prizes: Afghanistan's Mineral Wealth and the Regional Security Complex

Abstract

Afghanistan has long been a theatre for regional competition over influence and access to territory, particularly since the 19th century imperial campaigns of Russia and Britain. Part of today's 'game' is about natural resources and mining infrastructure, the 'prize' is secure, long-term access across Afghanistan and to its mineral wealth, and the principal 'competitors' include China, India and the USA. This paper describes features of the new 'game', identifies the actors that are investing in mining activities in and with Afghanistan, and traces the contours of the Regional Security Complex in which Afghanistan is both agent and subject.