Co-authored with  Sibghatullah Arsalai , a political economy specialist, researcher and analyst, policy advisor, and business strategist with over a decade of experience in geopolitical and geoeconomic affairs, regional diplomacy, national security, and private-sector development. He previously held senior positions at the Office of the National Security Council of Afghanistan, where he contributed to peace negotiations, regional cooperation, national strategic planning, and political and economic risk assessment. He currently serves as a Freelance Researcher and Senior Advisor to Sahil Marble Mining and Processing, focusing on regional connectivity, international market expansion, and strategic business development. Arsalai holds an M.S. in International Political Economy from the University of Texas at Dallas through Fulbright Scholarship and a B.B.A. from the American University of Afghanistan. His research interests include geopolitics, geoeconomics, political economy, regional connectivity, and strategic affairs in Afghanistan, Central Asia and South Asia.

 

Abstract:

The paper is inspired by participation in a workshop named “Generating an Economic Vision for Afghanistan” in Tashkent in December 2025. The workshop was co-hosted by the Institute for Advanced International Studies, University of World Economy and Diplomacy, and the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame.

The participants came from Central Asian countries, Afghanistan and the United States. The participants from Uzbekistan showed vision, preparedness and willingness to tackle challenges regarding Afghanistan in a pragmatic manner. From Central Asian perspective, it is concluded that Afghanistan is no more seen as a security threat but an economic opportunity, and if properly integrated to the Central Asian region, can prosper itself and benefit the region. This paper is an effort to advance this shared vision.

* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.