Managing Afghanistan’s Mineral Wealth, by Michael Lane Smith

This paper evaluates the current and past diplomatic relationships between Afghanistan and its surrounding nations in the context of Afghanistan’s key position at the crossroads of Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. In this paper, I address the regional and global diplomatic concerns surrounding Afghanistan’s development, specifically through the lens of utilizing Afghanistan’s vast mineral wealth. I describe the current situation and outline the steps necessary to allow economic growth and international cooperation to set the stage for development in the coming years. Moreover, I explore the claim that India, Iran, and China will play a vital role investing in Afghanistan’s future, while also highlighting the necessity of United States presence for security in the region. This paper finally recognizes the nature of Pakistan’s influence on Afghanistan, while recommending steps and partners to secure peace in the future.