The Local Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Factors in Extending of Iran & Afghanistan Bilateral Relations

Document Type : Original Article

Author

- Assistant Professor of Political Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
This essay tries to present geopolitical factors of the bilateral relations of Iran & Afghanistan & theirs challenges & opportunities. In the new era, geopolitics variety is an important factor in understanding of developments. Relations of Iran & Afghanistan are influenced by this variety.  New developments in Afghanistan after 2002 have changed geopolitical location of Iran. For this reason, Iran had important role in reconstruction & rebuilding of Afghanistan & required first position in the region & fifth rank in the world. In 2002, Tokyo Conference participants defined a plan for the development of Afghanistan. Iran allocated £ 250 million to Afghanistan in the framework of projects as grants for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Iran allocated the grants for the local geopolitical & geo-economic factors.
 
Methodology
Research surveys the questions such as: what are the local geopolitical factors in the bilateral relations of two countries & theirs challenges? Could it possible replace these challenges to common opportunities by geo-economic factors? The main hypothesis is the most important of geopolitical factors consist of boundaries geopolitics, drugs, immigration, ethnics groups, border provinces (valayatha), and connections routs that draw geopolitical & geo-economic logic in the new era. In interaction between common geopolitical challenges & common geo-economic opportunities, have been created common interests. These factors have critical role in Iran's participation in Afghanistan reconstruction. This article presents a model and an approach termed "radical geopolitics". It examines the respective roles of the geopolitical and geo-economic factors that drive the local geopolitical & geo-economic factors in the bilateral relations of Iran & Afghanistan & theirs challenges & opportunities. The second section consists of the geopolitical factors in the relationship of Iran & Afghanistan & their influence in Iran's participation in Afghanistan reconstruction and some Iran's projects have been implemented. Finally, research findings present policies for policy makers.
 
 
Results and Discussion
The research has two sections. In the first section, this article presents a model and an approach termed "radical geopolitics". It examines the respective roles of the geopolitical and geo-economic factors that drive the local geopolitical & geo-economic factors in the bilateral relations of Iran & Afghanistan & theirs challenges & opportunities. The second section consists of the geopolitical factors in the relationship of Iran & Afghanistan & their influence in Iran's participation in Afghanistan reconstruction and some Iran's projects have been implemented. Finally, research findings present policies for policy makers.
 
Conclusion
This study by use of "radical geopolitics" & relevant model shows that foreign policy of Iran towards Afghanistan is based on Geopolitical factors. These have caused threats including boundaries, ethnic, opium, hydropolitics & ideologic threats. "Radical geopolitics “by employment of geo-economics and insist on political economy tries to overt the threats to opportunities between Iran & Afghanistan. Implementation of economic projects including Dogharun- Herat project, establishment of boundary customs, Sangan-herat Ralilway, Sentry post in boundaries, monetary & training assistance to Afghanistan army & restarting of North- South Corridor are activities of Iran for elimination of Afghanistan’s threats.
  
 

Keywords