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Faculty of International Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Abstract
Recent developments in the international system have weakened the process of globalization and given rise to an emerging trend known as “Geoeconomics fragmentation.” Geoeconomics fragmentation refers to the reversal of global economic integration, in which under the influence of geopolitical rivalries and strategic considerations flows of trade, capital, and supply chains are reoriented toward aligned and regional blocs. Using a descriptive-analytical method and drawing on documentary data and library sources, the present article examines the following question: What impact has global geoeconomics fragmentation had on China’s pattern of presence and economic policymaking in Afghanistan? The study’s analytical conclusions show that the effects of this process on the foreign policies of great powers can be assessed through their increasing focus on supply chain security, economic regionalism, and the redefinition of geostrategic interests. Based on the case study, Afghanistan due to its geopolitical position and rich mineral resources has assumed a special place in China’s geoeconomics strategy. Compared to the period before the emergence of global geoeconomics fragmentation, when China’s foreign policy was centered on developing extra regional economic relations, Beijing now seeks, within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and through strengthening its economic presence in Afghanistan, to simultaneously pursue its security and economic objectives at the regional level. China aims to maximize its benefits from the new form of regionalism resulting from global geoeconomics fragmentation. Accordingly, its foreign policy pattern in Afghanistan has shifted toward active regionalism.
Ehsantalab,M. , Hashemi,A. H. and Aminian,B. (2025). Geoeconomic fragmentation and its impact on China's presence in Afghanistan. The Journal of Foreign Policy, 39(3), 93-116.
MLA
Ehsantalab,M. , , Hashemi,A. H. , and Aminian,B. . "Geoeconomic fragmentation and its impact on China's presence in Afghanistan", The Journal of Foreign Policy, 39, 3, 2025, 93-116.
HARVARD
Ehsantalab M., Hashemi A. H., Aminian B. (2025). 'Geoeconomic fragmentation and its impact on China's presence in Afghanistan', The Journal of Foreign Policy, 39(3), pp. 93-116.
CHICAGO
M. Ehsantalab, A. H. Hashemi and B. Aminian, "Geoeconomic fragmentation and its impact on China's presence in Afghanistan," The Journal of Foreign Policy, 39 3 (2025): 93-116,
VANCOUVER
Ehsantalab M., Hashemi A. H., Aminian B. Geoeconomic fragmentation and its impact on China's presence in Afghanistan. The Journal of Foreign Policy, 2025; 39(3): 93-116.